Case Study
Wisconsin Public Schools
Learn how a K-12 district improved security, compliance, and TCO with SonicWall solutions.
E-Rate Security Solutions for K-12 Schools & Libraries
Leverage federal E-Rate funding to modernize your network security, wireless infrastructure, and email protection with SonicWall solutions — delivered by an Authorized SonicWall Reseller.
Category 2 Aligned
Authorized SonicWall Partner
What Is the E-Rate Program?
Securing today's school networks is increasingly complex — and budgets are always tight.
The FCC E-Rate Program helps schools and libraries make critical network and security investments more affordable by offering significant discounts on eligible services.
- Managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)
- Provides annual funding based on district eligibility
- Covers approved networking, wireless, and security services
- Requires FCC Form 470 and 471 filings
- Eligibility defined by the yearly Eligible Services List (ESL)
We help you understand what's eligible, what's not, and how to stay audit-ready.
FY2026 E-Rate Filing Window & Key Dates
The FCC and USAC have announced the Funding Year (FY) 2026 E-Rate application filing window. Schools and libraries planning to use E-Rate funding for network infrastructure and cybersecurity projects should begin preparations now to avoid missing critical deadlines.
FY2026 Filing Window
- Opens: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
- Closes: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
During this 70-day window, applicants must submit and certify FCC Form 470 and FCC Form 471 to request E-Rate funding.
Important Dates to Know
- January 16, 2026: EPC Administrative Window closes and applicant profiles are locked
- March 4, 2026: Last day to submit and certify Form 470 and still meet the required 28-day waiting period before filing Form 471
- April 1, 2026: Final deadline to submit and certify Form 471
FY2026 Application Updates (What Changed)
Form 471 now requires selecting an invoicing method for each funding request:
- BEAR (FCC Form 472) – Applicant reimbursement
- SPI (FCC Form 474) – Service provider invoicing
- Category Two budgets now reflect the FY2026–2030 budget cycle, based on current student counts or library square footage
- The FY2026 Eligible Services List (ESL) has been released and defines which products and services qualify for funding
Preparing early helps ensure eligibility, reduces application errors, and keeps funding requests on track during review.
Why SonicWall for E-Rate?
SonicWall works closely with a global network of over 21,000 authorized technology partners to help K-12 institutions deploy cost-effective, E-Rate-eligible security solutions.
100% E-Rate Eligible
Certain SonicWall wireless solutions are 100% E-Rate eligible, helping districts reduce TOC.
Security-as-a-Service
Turnkey subscription options for flexible purchasing and budget alignment.
USAC Compliance
Deployment configurations aligned with USAC compliance requirements.
Security Architecture Review
High-level review of network security design and SonicWall solution fit.
Designed for Real School Environments
SonicWall solutions address the unique challenges facing K-12 districts today.
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On-campus learning — Secure, high-speed network access with next-gen firewalls, wireless access points, and managed switches.
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Remote and hybrid learning — Protected endpoints with Capture Client for Chromebooks and student devices outside the network perimeter.
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Limited IT resources — Centralized security management and optional Managed XDR for districts seeking expert oversight without adding staff.
E-Rate Funding for SonicWall Solutions
SonicWall solutions help eligible districts strengthen cybersecurity while maximizing E-Rate discounts.
E-Rate Eligibility Highlights
- SonicWall wireless access points are 100% E-Rate eligible
- Firewalls may be partially eligible depending on configuration
- Advanced security services (e.g., content filtering) may not qualify
- Flexible purchasing: capital equipment or subscription-based security
Our Team Helps You
- Align technical requirements with E-Rate compliance
- Identify eligible products and services before procurement
- Prepare clear, review-ready documentation
- Choose between hardware or subscription-based models
Case Study: Wisconsin Public Schools
Secure Student Research Without Fear of Malware
Wisconsin Public Schools needed to protect student records, sensitive data, and personally identifiable information while maintaining high network performance.
By deploying SonicWall NSa Series firewalls, the district achieved:
- Improved system uptime
- Faster network performance
- Deep packet inspection of encrypted (TLS/SSL) traffic
- Secure VPN access for trusted vendors and support services
- Regulatory compliance with lower total cost of ownership
"SonicWall has blocked and protected our network from threats outside our organization. Preventing attacks while remaining highly available to users has made SonicWall a perfect solution for us."
E-Rate Resources
Helpful documentation and guides for your E-Rate planning.
Product Guide
SonicWave Wireless Access Points
E-Rate eligible wireless solutions designed for campus-wide coverage and student safety.
Product Guide
SonicWall TZ Series Firewalls
Compact, enterprise-grade firewalls ideal for K-12 schools and branch locations.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're planning a new deployment or upgrading existing infrastructure, we'll help you navigate E-Rate with clarity and confidence.
Schedule a Free E-Rate Consultation
Our team specializes in helping K-12 schools navigate E-Rate requirements while deploying effective security solutions.
- Response within 1 business day
- No-pressure consultation
- Category 2 alignment guidance
- Documentation support
Call us:
Toll Free: 800-886-4880
Local: 949-328-2855
Hours: 7am-6pm PT, Mon-Fri
Why Schools Trust SonicGuard
As a SonicWall Partner of the Year 2025, we bring proven expertise to K-12 security deployments.
K-12 Experience
Deep understanding of school district security requirements
E-Rate Aligned
Configurations designed for Category 2 approval
Dedicated Support
School-focused support from certified security specialists
Ongoing Partnership
Support from planning through deployment and beyond