On April 20, 2012, USAC released their FY 2012 demand estimate. For only the second time in the E-rate program’s 15 year history, the total demand for discounts on eligible goods and services is over $5 billion. USAC’s estimate, based on 46,838 Forms 471, is $5.237 billion. The total estimated demand increased by $927 million over FY 2011, a 21.5% increase. FY 2012 applicants requested 12.5% more in the Priority 1 funding categories and 30.7% more in Priority 2 than in FY 2011.
USAC anticipates that as FY 2012 requests are reviewed, they will discover duplicates and requests for ineligible services which will slightly reduce the overall demand.
