Glossary of Terms

E-rate Terms

BEAR: Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement. This is the form E-rate applicants file if they have paid a service provider in full for services and want to be reimbursed for the discount amount. (Also: E-rate Form 472)

E-rate consultant: A company or individual (non-employee of the service provider) selected to perform certain activities related to the application process on behalf of the applicant or service provider for a fee. A Letter of Agency (LOA) or consultant agreement must be in place before the consultant undertakes these activities. (Also: E-rate consultant)

E-rate Form 470: “Description of Services Requested and Certification Form” filed by an applicant to identify themselves, provide a point of contact and indicate new services they will be seeking. (Also see: E-rate form 470)

E-rate Form 471: “Services Ordered and Certification Form” filed by applicants that lists all contracts and services for which they are requesting funding. (Also see: E-rate form 470)

E-rate Form 472: See BEAR.

E-rate Form 486: “Receipt of Service Confirmation Form” filed by applicants to confirm that ordered services are being provided. (Also: E-rate form 486)

E-rate Funding: The funds provided by the E-rate program to reimburse the school or library for discounted communication technology products and services. (Also: E-rate funding)

E-rate: “Education Rate.” Used to describe the federal program that discounts certain communication technology products and services to schools and libraries. (Also: E-rate program)

Education Technology Services Terms

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The federal commission that governs the E-rate program.

Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL): Contains USAC’s funding decisions on an applicant’s funding requests. USAC sends to the applicant and the service provider.

Schools and Libraries Division (SLD): The Division of the Universal Services Administrative Company that administers the E-rate program.

SPIN: “Service Provider Identification Number.” This is a number assigned to a provider who offers E-rate products and services. Customers must use this number to identify their chosen provider.

Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC): The parent company that oversees administration of the Schools and Libraries Division.

Universal Service Fund (USF): The federal fund that reimburses vendors for delivering discounted services to eligible customers.

For more information about the E-rate program and how to maximize the benefits, talk to a Sparklight Business E-rate expert — email us at e‑rate@sparklight.com.