New FCC Requirement

The FCC’s Fifth Order requires all E-rate applicants and others associated with the program to obtain an FCC Registration Number by NOV. 1, 2004 for each individual school in a district and each branch location in a library system. This new FCC Registration Number will be required when completing E-rate forms. It is extremely important that you read this entire document and follow the instructions closely.

For schools and libraries, each and every individual school building in a district and each and every branch location in a library system, including non-instructional facilities (NIFs), must obtain an FCC Registration Number. (Note: NIFs are defined as not having any classrooms or public access library areas. Examples may include bus facilities and administrative facilities which are in buildings separate from a school or public library.)

There are TWO very important steps in meeting this requirement: First, obtain an FCC Registration Number for each school building in your district, branch location in your library system, and NIF using the directions below. Second, submit that FCC Registration Number(s) to MOREnet by Nov. 1, 2004.

Obtaining an FCC Registration Number

Note: Before you can obtain an FCC Registration Number, you will need your school or library’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN is a nine-digit number that the Internal Revenue Service requires of all employers for tax purposes.

To obtain an FCC Registration Number, go to the FCC’s website at https://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cores/CoresHome.html and do the following:

1. Select the “register” option.
2. For Registration Type, accept the defaults of “business” and “Yes,” and click “continue.”
3. On the next screen, enter the information requested.
   • For Business Type, on the drop down box:
     • Public Libraries: Select “State or Local Agency.” Select the closest subtype, which is “County,” “Township,” or “State or Local Commission”.
     • Public Schools: Select “State or Local Agency.” Select the closest subtype, which is “State or Local Commission.”
     • Non-public Schools: Select “Private Sector.” Select the closest subtype, which is “Non-Profit/Exempt Organization.”
   • For Business Name: Enter the name of the library/school and the name of the branch or individual school. For example: Kansas City Public Library, 12th St. Branch; Columbia School District, Fairview Elementary.
   • For Contact Information and FRN Password: Enter the information as requested. Leave the “Organization:” window blank.
4. When you are finished, carefully review your information. When every data element is correct, press the “submit” button. You will then be assigned a Registration Number for that specific branch or school. Be certain to print off the verification page and save the information in an electronic file.

Note: Most school districts and libraries have only one EIN. When you press the “submit” button after already having filed for a Registration Number for an individual school building, library branch, or NIF, the system will warn you that you will be creating another Registration Number for the same EIN. Since each and every individual school building in a district and each and every branch location in a library system, including NIFs, need a separate Registration Number, just select the “Continue” option.

Complete the above steps for each and every individual school building in a district, each and every branch location in your library system, and each and every NIF.

Provide the FCC Registration Number(s) to MOREnet

You must have completed the above steps for each individual building in your school district or library system before submitting the FCC Registration Number(s) to MOREnet.

To submit the FCC Registration Number(s) to MOREnet, you may either fax your printed verification page(s) to [573] 884=6673 OR you can go to http://www.more.net/services/e-rate/erateform01.html.

1. Enter the official organization name as it appears on the organization’s current tax forms.
2. Enter each building name and the appropriate FCC Registration Number for that building in the appropriate fields.
3. Enter the name of a contact person.
4. Enter the telephone number of the contact person.
5. Click the Submit button when completed.
6. If there are not enough spaces on the form to enter each building, fill in the available fields and click the Submit button, then continue by filling out another form and entering the remaining building names and FCC numbers.