More Information on Filing for the
Federal Communications Commission
Registration Numbers (“FCC RN”)
Background
The FCC is requiring all E-rate applicants to obtain a FCC RN. E-rate applicants should obtain at least one FCC RN for each Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). The numbers are required to verify whether the applicant or its service provider owes any outstanding non-tax debt to FCC.
All applicants are asked to get their FCC RN by November 1, 2004. You will not need the FCC RN to file the Form 470 or Form 471. You will be asked for the FCC RN during the review process. The FCC RN will replace the Billed Entity Number next year – FY 2006.
It is recommended that you wait for additional instructions if you have more than one entity number for your organization. For example, some districts could have an entity number for the district and a separate number for the district’s non-instructional facility. Schools and Libraries Division (“SLD”) plans to distribute additional advice on obtaining FCC RNs for the non-instructional facilities.
How to Obtain an FCC RN
Step 1: Have your Entity’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) / Employer Identification Number (EIN) Ready
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is the nine-digit number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires of all individuals, businesses, and other employers to identify their tax accounts with the IRS.
- For an individual, the TIN is the person's Social Security Number.
- For employers, including state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations, the TIN is the IRS-issued Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Each FCC RN must have a TIN/EIN associated with it. If your TIN/EIN is already associated with an FCC RN and the name on the FCC RN is not correct, call the FCC Registration Number Helpline at 1-877-480-3201.
Step 2: Apply Online for the FCC RN
- Go to the FCC site: to register for the FCC RN.
a)Follow the link to the "FCC Registration Number Commission Registration System (CORES)" on the left hand side of the screen.
b)Follow the link to "Register" under "Register and Receive your FRN."
- For Business Type and Subtype:
a)For Public Schools and Public Libraries - select "State or Local Agency"
i)For Subtype - select the option that is most appropriate
ii)If you are not sure which option applies, select "State or Local Commission"
b)For Non-Public (Private) Entities - select "Private Sector"
i)For Subtype - select the option that is most appropriate
c)For Consultants - select "Private Sector"
i)For Subtype - select the option that is most appropriate
- For Business Name
a)Name of the individual entity
i)For an entity with an Entity Number, this should be the name of the individual school, school district, library outlet/branch, library system, consortium leader or non-instructional facility associated with the Entity Number.
ii)For a Billed Entity, this should be the name of the Billed Entity associated with the Billed Entity Number.
iii)For service providers, this should be the name of the entity associated with the Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN).
iv)For all others, this should be the business name of the entity.
- For Organization Name
a)If the "Business Name" entered above is for the entity responsible for the E-rate application process, re-enter the "Business Name" for the "Organization Name."
b)If the "Business Name" entered above is for an individual recipient of service that is NOT the entity responsible for the E-rate application process, enter the name of the entity responsible for the E-rate application process for the "Organization Name." Most likely, the "Organization Name" will be the name of the Billed Entity.
- Contact Person
a)Enter the name of the person at your entity that is responsible for the E-rate application process.
- Additional Help: If you need more information about the FCC RN, please contact one of the following:
- FCC Registration Number Helpline at 1-877-480-3201
- SLD Client Service Bureau at 1-888-203-8100.
Alternative to Filing Online for FCC RN
If you do not wish to apply online, contact the FCC Registration Number Helpline at 1-877-480-3201 to request a paper application form.