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Once funded, what can I expect?
You will receive an AT&T Welcome notice and instructions from the AT&T National E-rate Center of Excellence for each AT&T SPIN you identified on your Form 471 application(s) for each Funding Request.
To view AT&T SPINs and Contact and correspondence information for your state visit the AT&T Service Provider Information Numbers (SPINs) page. SPIN Contact information is also available on the SLD SPIN Search tool @ http://www.universalservice.org/sl/tools/search-tools/spin-contact.aspx
E-rate disbursements methods are:
Details on the BEAR and SPI process are available at the SLD Web site @ http://www.universalservice.org/sl/applicants/step11/
Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form 472 - Check Reimbursement Option
As stated above in “Once funded, what can I expect?” upon notification of funding you will receive instructions from the applicable funded SPIN detailing the next steps and available options for submitting a BEAR.
The SLD recommends filing BEAR Form 472’s online. AT&T participates in the SLD on-line BEAR process for the FCC Form 472.
For more information on how to complete a paper BEAR Form 472 or filing an online BEAR please visit: http://www.universalservice.org/sl/tools/required-forms/form472-instructions.aspx Information on where to send a paper BEAR Form 472 will be included the information you are sent by AT&T upon notification of funding based on the SPIN. If you need the correspondence information please visit AT&T Service Provider Information Numbers (SPINs) for a listing of the address and fax numbers.
The Form 472 is used by the Billed Entity (customer) to request reimbursement for support on eligible services that have already been provided, and paid in full to the service provider, such as AT&T.
When to File Form 472: Form 472 can be filed after the following have occurred:
• The Billed Entity has filed a Receipt of Service Confirmation Form (Form 486) for the services for which discounts are being requested. (AT&T requires receipt of the Form 486 Notification Letter processed by the SLD.)
• The eligible services have been or are being received
• The Billed Entity (you) have paid for the services in full
Form 472 must be postmarked or received no later than 120 days after the
last date to receive service or no later than 120 days after the date of the
Form 486 Notification Letter, whichever is later.
USAC Notification Letter: USAC will issue a Form 472 (BEAR
Form) Notification Letter to both the applicant and the service provider(s)
upon successful data entry of the Form 472.
Note: California customers only: If you wish to benefit from the California Teleconnect Fund you may not utilize the BEAR Form 472 method for receiving E-rate funds. If you elect to utilize the BEAR method you will forfeit all California Teleconnect Funds for that fiscal year.
SPI (Service Provider Invoice) Form 474 method - Discounts Option
As stated above in “Once funded, what can I expect?” upon notification of funding you will receive instructions from the applicable funded SPIN detailing the next steps and options for receiving discounts.
Caution: This is a Service Provider Form. This form is not for use by the Applicant.
In general, AT&T will provide discounts throughout the funding year after the following has occurred:
- The FRN has been funded per the Funding Commitment Decision Letter
- AT&T has received the Form 486 Notification Letter processed by the SLD
- The customer has provided the Account information per funded FRN in accordance with their Form 471 application, and certified to the information.
Discounts due for eligible services provided within the relevant funding year will be provided retroactively to the Services Start Date once all of the above has occurred.
Note: Services Provided by the following AT&T companies utilize the AT&T Reimbursement Form known as ARF. For more information on ARF please visit the FAQ section of this site.
- 143001192 (AT&T Corp.)
- 143000067 (Teleport Communications Group, Inc.)
- 143001113 (ACC Long Distance Corp.)
- 143005617 (AT&T Alascom)
The following information is excerpts from the SLD web site on the SPI method
Service providers may submit Form 474 to USAC seeking payment for services:
• After the service provider provides the services or equipment to the applicant
• After the billed entity submits the Receipt of Service Confirmation Form (Form 486) verifying the service start date.
• After the service provider has provided a discounted bill to the billed entity
The Federal Communications Commission stated that requiring applicants to pay their share would ensure efficiency and accountability in the program. Applicants are required to pay the non-discount portion of the cost of the goods and services to their service provider(s).
Additionally, the FCC rules state payments should be made generally within 90 days of billing.
