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Latest News Archive

USAC's Latest News Archive gives you access to all announcements related to the universal service programs as they were made throughout the years. The archives will be updated as new announcements are made.


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11/29/2012 – Scheduled System Maintenance: 8:00 PM Friday, November 30 - 1:00 AM EST Saturday, December 1
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools will be unavailable from 8:00 PM Friday, November 30 to 1:00 AM EST, Saturday, December 1, 2012 for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
10/31/2012 – HCLI News Issued
The October 2012 HCLI News for the High Cost and Lifeline Programs is now available.
10/18/2012 – Scheduled System Maintenance: 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM EDT Friday, October 19
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools will be unavailable Friday, October 19 from 8:00 PM through 11:30 PM EDT for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
10/1/2012 – October Deadline for FCC Form 497 Accelerated Payment Process
In the Lifeline Reform Order (FCC 12-11), the FCC established an accelerated payment process beginning in October 2012. This new filing process allows ETCs that file certified FCC Forms 497 electronically through USAC's E-File System by the eighth day of each month to receive payment for these claims at the end of the same month. Because October 8, 2012, is a federal holiday (Columbus Day), October 9, 2012, is the deadline for October 2012 disbursements.

Support claims filed after October 9, 2012, will be included in the November support disbursement.
9/28/2012 – FCC Releases Eligible Services List Report and Order
On September 27, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission released a Report and Order (DA 12-1553) releasing the Eligible Services List for Funding Year 2013. The PDF version of the Eligible Services List with active hyperlinks will be available shortly.
9/21/2012 – FCC Issues Limited Waiver for 54.313 Reporting Requirements
On September 17, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) released Order DA 12-1503, granting a limited waiver of the deadlines for new reporting rules established in the USF/ICC Transformation Order.

ETCs that failed to file by the July 2, 2012, deadline, or that made deficient filings, must file their report with USAC, the Commission, and the relevant state commission on or before October 17, 2012, or the company will lose federal high-cost support for the coming year, per the terms of 47 C.F.R. Section 54.313(j).

Additionally, for those states where any ETCs file under this limited waiver, the deadline of October 1, 2012, as required in Section 54.314(d)(1), is also waived. Under these limited circumstances, those states must file a certification pursuant to Section 54.314(a) on or before November 16, 2012.

Please contact the High Cost Program with any questions or to confirm if your company needs to file.
9/18/2012 – FCC Announces 4th Quarter (October-December) 2012 Contribution Factor Will Increase to 17.4% (0.174)
The Federal Communications Commission released a Public Notice announcing that the proposed universal service contribution factor for the fourth quarter (October-December) of 2012 will be 0.174 or 17.4 percent. (Docket No. CC 96-45 DA 12-1484)
9/18/2012 – Annual ETC Certification Form and Instructions
The FCC is currently in the process of obtaining OMB approval of a new Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form.

The Lifeline Reform Order (FCC 12-11) requires eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to annually re-certify the eligibility of every Lifeline subscriber. See Step 8: Annual ETC Certification for more information.
9/14/2012 – RHC Circuit 3Q 2012 Issued
The RHC Circuit is Rural Health Care's quarterly publication designed to keep participants in the RHC program informed about program information and to help them be successful in the program. If you would like to receive this quarterly, please subscribe.
9/13/2012 – Scheduled System Maintenance: 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM EDT Friday, September 14
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools will be unavailable Friday, September 14 from 9:00 PM through 11:00 AM EDT for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
9/5/2012 – Certification Sample Letters for 54.314
On or before October 1, 2012, all carriers must submit Section 54.314 compliance "use" certifications. State commissions can file certifications or companies can self-certify.

Sample certification letters can be found on the High Cost Forms page:

Note: These sample letters were updated on 9/12/12 to reflect the accurate "preceding calendar year." 

8/31/2012 – ETCs Must Submit August 2012 Claims on New FCC Form 497
Beginning with the August 2012 data month, ETCs must submit Low Income support claims on the new version of the FCC Form 497. Revisions to data for months prior to August 2012 should be submitted on the old version of the FCC Form 497. Both the new and old versions of the FCC Form 497 can be found on the Lifeline Forms page.

Beginning September 1, 2012, an Officer must sign the new version of the FCC Form 497 as well as any revised forms submitted within the rolling revision window.
8/30/2012 – Only Company Officers Can Certify FCC Form 497
Beginning September 1, 2012, only an officer can certify an eligible telecommunications carrier's (ETC's) FCC Form 497. Non-officer employees will no longer be able to certify the form. If you need to give additional employees the "officer" entitlement in E-File so they can certify FCC Form 497 on your company's behalf, please log in to update their entitlements on or after September 1, 2012.

Only individuals designated on FCC Form 498 as the “Service Provider Officer” or “Service Provider General Contact” may create or deactivate FCC Form 497 officer entitlements.

More information is available in the Establishing User Entitlements and Online Filing user guides.
8/24/2012 – Webinar Recording Now Available
A recording of the webinar, "Changes to the Lifeline Disbursement Process and New FCC Form 497" is now available in the Online Learning Library. The webinar is split into two recordings.
8/24/2012 – Upcoming Deadlines
  • October 1, 2012 – Section 54.314: State and Self Use certifications
  • July 1, 2013 – All carriers file Section 54.313 requirements
  • July 1, 2013 – Rate Floor Data
  • October 1, 2013 – Section 54.314: State and Self Use certifications.
For more information, please see FCC 12-52.

Click below for the Rate Floor Form:
Rate Floor Form
Rate Floor Form

8/20/2012 – All Supporting Documentation for FY2011 FCC Forms 466/466-A Due August 31
All supporting documentation accompanying Funding Year (FY) 2011 FCC Forms 466/466-A must be submitted to RHC by August 31, 2012. Substitutions or corrections will not be accepted after that date.

About the August 31 Deadline (New Administrative Rule)

The number of applications submitted to RHC has risen by nearly 20 percent for the last two years. RHC no longer has the resources available to provide continual outreach to obtain the documentation required so an FCC Form 466 or 466-A can be processed. We must focus on processing forms for applicants who have submitted a complete packet.

Beginning with FY2011, USAC will implement a deadline of August 31, 2012, for health care providers (HCPs) to submit all required FCC Forms 466/466-A supporting documentation. This still offers a two-month grace period from the official documentation deadline (June 30, according to form instructions).

It is the health care provider’s responsibility to submit all required supporting documentation on time. The documentation must be complete and accurate by August 31 in order for the form to be processed.
8/20/2012 – Webinar on August 23: Changes to the Lifeline Disbursement Process & New FCC Form 497
Join USAC for a webinar about changes to the disbursement process, the new FCC Form 497, and the officer certification requirement. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A. More Information
8/20/2012 – FCC Form 498 Being Reviewed by the FCC
The Commission is seeking OMB approval for an FCC Form 498 revision in order to obtain the full three year clearance from them. The Commission proposes changes to certain parts of FCC Form 498 to improve the efficiency of administering the universal service support mechanisms.

Specifically, the Commission is proposing:
• Adding an additional field for a company's Federal Registration Number (FRN);
• Adding a column for the Study Area Code Company Name;
• Adding the ability for a carrier to designate an alternate bank account for the payment of BEAR funds;
• Adding a box and supplemental sheet that allows respondents to include information about affiliates;
• Updating the Principal Communications Types to include additional business types as listed on the FCC Form 499-A;
• Adding a box on the form that will allow service providers to cease participation in an associated program without having to deactivate their entire SPIN.

To view the article as published in the Federal Register, please click here.
8/17/2012 – Scheduled System Maintenance: 8:00-11:00 PM EDT Friday, August 17
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools will be unavailable Friday, August 17 from 8:00 PM through 11:00 PM EDT for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
8/1/2012 – Final P2 Funding Thresholds Set for FY2012 and FY2011
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the USAC Board have reviewed and approved USAC’s proposed funding thresholds for FY2012 and FY2011 Priority 2 (Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections) funding requests. The FCC and the USAC Board have approved USAC to take the following actions:
 
  •  Set the final funding threshold for approved FY2012 Priority 2 (P2) funding requests at 90 percent. P2 funding requests at 89 percent and below will be denied for lack of funds. 
  • Set the final funding threshold for approved FY2011 P2 funding requests at 88 percent. P2 funding requests at 87 percent and below will be denied for lack of funds.

USAC will target issuing commitments and denials using these thresholds next week.

Please note, however, that Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) reviews are ongoing, and USAC cannot issue funding decisions on an application until the reviews for all funding requests at all discount levels on that application are complete. For example, if an FCC Form 471 for FY2012 has one P2 funding request at 90 percent and another P2 funding request at 85 percent, USAC must wait until the review of the funding request at 90 percent has been completed before issuing a Funding Commitment Decision Letter for that application. Note further that the PIA review process may result in a change to the discount level(s) originally requested.

As a reminder, approved Priority 1 (Telecommunications Services and Internet Access) funding requests continue to be funded at all discount levels for both funding years.
7/31/2012 – New FCC Form 497
Changes to the Low Income support claim filing process are in effect September 1, 2012.

Eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) must file their August 2012 Low Income support claims on the new version of the FCC Form 497.

Please note the following important issues:

  • Beginning with August 2012 Low Income support claims, the basic support amount of $9.25 per month is in effect for all ETCs.
  • Tribal lands support amounts are available in addition to the basic support amount of $9.25 per month.
  • August 2012 Low Income support claims cannot be filed until September 1, 2012.
  • USAC will not accept any August 2012 Low Income support claims filed on the old version of the FCC Form 497.
  • The new version of the FCC Form 497 requires that an officer of the ETC certify the form.
  • If your company files the FCC Form 497 electronically via USAC’s E-File system, a company officer must have the proper entitlements to certify the FCC Form 497 as of September 1, 2012.
  • Original and revised support claims for months prior to August 2012 must be submitted on the old version of the FCC Form 497. However, original or revised submissions for months prior to August 2012 that are filed electronically via USAC’s E-File system must be certified by a company officer.
Please contact USAC’s Low Income Team at (202) 776-0200 or via email with questions.
7/27/2012 – News Brief Issued
This week's Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available. Receive E-Rate tips, deadline reminders, and answers to your questions in this weekly newsletter. Subscribe to it and receive it each week in your inbox.
7/26/2012 – Annual Certification Requirement for ETCs
(Updated from 6/14/12)

The Lifeline Reform Order (FCC 12-11) requires eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to annually re-certify the eligibility of every Lifeline subscriber. The Order also requires ETCs to make certain certifications after the ETC conducts its annual re-certification of its consumers’ continuing eligibility for Lifeline. The first ETC certification is due to USAC by January 31, 2013. That submission will include the results of ETCs’ re-certification of their subscriber bases as of June 1, 2012.

This new annual re-certification requirement replaces the previous process by which ETCs re-certified only a sample of their total Lifeline subscribers and submitted the results to USAC by August 31 of each year. There is no longer an August 31 deadline for submitting annual certifications. Instead, ETCs must obtain re-certifications from 100 percent of their Lifeline subscribers as of June 1 and submit those results to USAC no later than January 31.

The FCC is in the process of obtaining OMB approval of a new Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form.

If your company has filed an annual certification form in 2012, please note that it is likely not compliant with the requirements set out in the Lifeline Reform Order. ETCs should not file their annual certifications until the Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form has been approved by OMB. USAC will post an announcement once the form is approved. Completed Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Forms are due January 31, 2013.
7/20/2012 – FCC Issues Public Notice Seeking Comment
The FCC has issued a Public Notice (DA 12-1166) seeking further comment on issues in the Rural Health Care Reform Proceeding, particularly with regard to the proposed Broadband Services Program. The Commission has stated that “A more focused and comprehensive record will help the Commission craft an efficient permanent program that will help health care providers exploit the potential of broadband to make health care better, more widely available, and less expensive for patients in rural areas.” Comments are requested on the following topics:

1. Use of consortium applications,
2. Inclusion of urban health care providers in funded consortia,
3. Services and equipment to be supported,
4. Use of competitive bidding processes and multi-year contracts, and
5. Broadband needs of rural health care providers.

Comments are due on August 23, 2012, with reply comments due on September 7, 2012, and should reference WC Docket No. 02-60 and BA 12-1166. Comments can be filed electronically using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) using instructions from the attached guide. Information about paper filings can be found in the notice.
7/19/2012 – Scheduled System Maintenance: 8:00-11:00 PM EDT Friday, July 20
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools, will be unavailable from 8:00 PM EDT Friday, July 20 through 11:00 PM EDT, Friday, July 20, 2012, for scheduled system maintenance.

During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
7/18/2012 – FCC Directs USAC to Roll Over $1.050 Billion in Unused Funds to FY2012
On July 18, 2012, the FCC issued a Public Notice directing USAC to roll over the $1.050 billion in unused funds previously identified by USAC and make them available for FY2012 commitments. The FCC and the USAC Board must still approve funding for FY2012 Priority 2 funding requests. USAC will provide additional information on its website and in the weekly Schools and Libraries News Briefs as it becomes available.

7/13/2012 – USAC Identifies Additional Unused Funds Available for Carry Forward
On July 11, 2012 in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), USAC stated that it had identified an additional $650 million in unused funds from previous funding years that are currently available to be carried forward for subsequent funding years, bringing the total available for carry forward to $1.050 billion. USAC also stated that it believed such funds would be sufficient to make commitments at the 90 percent discount level for Priority 2 requests for FY2012. However, before any commitments using these funds can be made, the FCC would have to issue a Public Notice directing USAC to roll these funds over to make them available for FY2012 commitments and the FCC and the USAC Board would have to approve funding for FY2012 Priority 2 funding requests at this discount level.

USAC will provide additional information on its website and in the weekly Schools and Libraries News Briefs as it becomes available.
7/13/2012 – FY2013 FCC Form 470 Available for Online Filing
USAC has now enabled online filing for FY2013 for the FCC Form 470, Description of Services Requested and Certification Form. USAC can also process paper FCC Forms 470 that feature FY2013 as the funding year in Block 1. (As a reminder, the first day of FY2013 is July 1, 2013.)

If you have already filed an FCC Form 470 for FY2012 and noted in Item 13 that you intended the form for FY2013 services, remember that you cannot cite this form for non-contracted services provided under tariff or on a month-to-month basis. For these services, you must file an FCC Form 470 featuring FY2013 in Block 1, Item 2.
7/5/2012 – FCC Establishes Comment Period for FY2013 Eligible Services List
On July 5, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice (DA 12-1052) establishing the comment period for the Funding Year 2013 Eligible Services List (ESL).

Comments on the FY2013 draft ESL are due to the FCC on or before August 6, 2012. Reply comments are due to the FCC on or before August 21, 2012. For a summary of proposed changes to the ESL and information on filing comments with the FCC, please refer to the Public Notice.

6/28/2012 – USAC Releases First Commitments for FY2012
Download Release
6/27/2012 – My Portal Unavailable from 5:30 PM EDT to 7:00 PM EDT Today
Due to scheduled maintenance, My Portal will be unavailable from 5:30 PM EDT to 7:00 PM EDT today, June 27, 2012.
6/25/2012 – Funding Year 2012 Starts at 9:00 AM EDT on July 2, 2012
Eligible health care providers (HCPs) may submit an FCC Form 466/466-A (Funding Request and Certification Form/Internet Service Funding Request and Certification Form) beginning on Monday, July 2, 2012 at 9:00 AM EDT. Funding Year 2012 is from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, but because the beginning of the funding year falls on a non-business day, health care providers will need to wait until July 2 to submit the FCC Form 466/466-A.

Visit these sections of our website for guidance:

6/15/2012 – Legacy Systems Unavailable from 8:00 PM EDT Friday, June 15 to 2:00 AM EDT Saturday, June 16, 2012
Due to scheduled preventive maintenance, all Rural Health Care legacy systems will be unavailable from 8:00 PM EDT Friday, June 15, 2012, to 2:00 AM EDT Saturday, June 16, 2012.
6/15/2012 – Connect America Fund ICC Data Filing Information
On May 25, 2012, USAC High Cost posted a list of upcoming deadlines for the Connect America Fund. Connect America Fund ICC data are due July 2, 2012 since June 30 falls on a Saturday this year.

Carriers filing Connect America Fund ICC data directly with USAC are advised that the necessary forms (linked below) appear in the Appendix of FCC 12-575.
 
Price Cap Short Form TRP 
Price Cap Long Form TRP
Rate of Return Form TRP
 
Please email HC Info with any questions, and submit your filings to HC Filings.
6/15/2012 – FCC Announces 3rd Quarter (July-September) 2012 Contribution Factor Will Decrease to 15.7% (0.157)
The Federal Communications Commission released a Public Notice announcing that the proposed universal service contribution factor for the third quarter (July-September) of 2012 will be 0.157 or 15.7 percent. (Docket No. CC 96-45 DA 12-917)
6/6/2012 – Pre-Screening Tool Now Available to Help Consumers Determine Eligibility
The Lifeline Pre-Screening Tool is available to help consumers determine whether they are eligible for Lifeline, and whether they reside at an address with more than one household.
6/1/2012 – News Brief Issued
This week's Schools and Libraries News Brief is now available.  Receive E-Rate tips, deadline reminders, and answers to your questions in this weekly newsletter.  Subscribe to it and receive it each week in your inbox.
5/31/2012 – Rate Floor Form and Certification
On May 14, 2012, the FCC released the Third Order on Reconsideration (FCC 12-52), clarifying certain aspects of the USF/ICC Transformation Order to various petitions for reconsideration and/or clarification. In this Order, the FCC changed the Rate Floor data submission date from April 1, 2012, to July 1, 2012, and the sampling date from January 1, 2012, to June 1, 2012. In addition, the FCC received Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) approval from the Office of Management and Budget for the Rate Floor data form.

For more information, please reference the Third Order on Reconsideration (FCC 12-52).

Click below for the Rate Floor Form:
Rate Floor Form
Rate Floor Form

Please email HC Info with any questions, and submit your filings to HC Filings.
5/30/2012 – Announcing Lifeline Program Training, presented by the FCC and USAC—Register Today!
Join USAC and the FCC on June 19, 2012, at a training focused on the changes to the Lifeline Program. Register early! This session is limited to 100 participants. Visit the Lifeline Trainings and Outreach page for more information and to register.
5/30/2012 – FCC Adopts 12-Month Filing Window for FCC Form 497 Lifeline Support Claims
Carriers are reminded that the Lifeline Reform Order (para. 305) adopts a 12-month window for filing original or revised Lifeline support claims with USAC. The 12-month window is calculated from the date the form is due. For example, FCC Form 497 containing data for the month May 2011 was due in June 2011. Applying the 12-month window, the last day of June 2012 is the last day carriers can submit new or revised Lifeline support claims for May 2011. Accordingly, USAC will not accept any new or revised FCC Forms 497 for data months that are outside of this 12-month window.

Data Month

Last Month to File New or Revised Claims

April 2011

May 2012

May 2011

June 2012

June 2011

July 2012

July 2011

August 2012

August 2011

September 2012

September 2011

October 2012

October 2011

November 2012

November 2011

December 2012

December 2011

January 2013

January 2012

February 2013

February 2012

March 2013

5/25/2012 – Upcoming Deadlines
Click here to see upcoming deadlines for the Connect America Fund and Legacy High Cost.
5/25/2012 – New Requirements for Verifying Consumer Eligibility Begin in June
Beginning June 1, 2012, all eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) are required to confirm an applicant's eligibility prior to enrolling the applicant in Lifeline. As required by the Lifeline Reform Order (para.101), USAC is providing information to help ETCs comply with the Order's requirements related to eligibility validation. Click here for more information.
5/23/2012 – Fall Applicant Trainings Announced - Register Today!
This fall, join USAC at a training for schools, libraries, and consortia that participate in the Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program. These complimentary trainings are very popular and are limited to 200 participants each, so please register early. Visit the Trainings and Outreach page for more information.
5/21/2012 – FCC Announces Funding Cap for FY2012
On May 18, 2012, the Wireline Competition Bureau announced in Public Notice DA 12-791 that the E-Rate program funding cap for funding year 2012 is $2,338,786,577. The new cap represents a 2.1% inflation-adjusted increase from FY2011's $2,290,682,250 cap.
5/17/2012 – Scheduled System Maintenance 8:00 PM Friday, May 18 to 1:00 AM EDT, Saturday, May 19, 2012
The Apply Online page, including Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools, will be unavailable from 8:00 PM EDT Friday, May 18 through 1:00 AM EDT, Saturday, May 19, 2012, for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
5/15/2012 – FY2011 Forms Unavailable from 8:00 PM EDT Friday through 1:00 AM EDT Saturday
The RHC Legacy application system will be unavailable from Friday, May 18 at 8:00 PM EDT through Saturday, May 19 at 1:00 AM EDT.
5/10/2012 – Now Available - Lifeline Household Worksheet, used for determining whether there are multiple households at one address
As required by the Lifeline Modernization Order (paragraphs 78-79), USAC has developed a worksheet to assist carriers and consumers in determining whether more than one household resides at a single address. The worksheet must be completed any time more than one subscriber at a single residential address receives Lifeline service, or when a new applicant applies for Lifeline service at an address where there is already a Lifeline subscriber.
5/8/2012 – ALERT - My Portal Will Be Down for a Service Update 5:00-5:30 PM EDT
The RHC My Portal application will be down for a service update from 5pm - 5:30pm EST on Tuesday, May 8. All application functions will return at 5:30pm EST. We apologize for the inconvenience, and appreciate your patience.
5/3/2012 – Presentation Slides Now Available for Service Provider Trainings
The agenda and presentation slides are now available for the Spring 2012 Service Provider Trainings.
5/2/2012 – Deadline May 9 - Certify FY2012 FCC Forms 471 and Submit Item 21 Attachments

May 9, 2012 is the last day to submit FY2012 Item 21 attachments and FY2012 FCC Form 471 certifications and still have them considered in-window.

  • If you do not submit an Item 21 attachment on or before May 9, the Block 5 Funding Request Number (FRN) associated with that Item 21 attachment will be considered out-of-window. You can submit an Item 21 attachment online, by email, or by fax on or before May 9; you can also postmark a paper Item 21 attachment on or before May 9. The Item 21 attachments web page contains detailed information on preparing and submitting Item 21 attachments.
  • If you do not certify your FCC Form 471 on or before May 9, your form will be considered out-of-window. You can certify an FCC Form 471 online on or before May 9 if you have a PIN; you can also postmark a paper certification on or before May 9.
5/1/2012 – Transition Period for Lifeline Rate Beginning with April Support Claims
On May 1, 2012, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing the effective dates of several new rules governing the Lifeline Program. As set out in the Public Notice, the FCC has established a transition period during which time eligible telecommunications carriers, at their option, can claim either the new $9.25 rate or continue to claim Tiers 1 through 3, as appropriate. Therefore, beginning with Lifeline support claims filed on FCC Form 497 for data month April 2012, eligible telecommunications carriers can claim either a flat rate of $9.25, or they can use Tiers 1 through 3 to claim support. Carriers should continue to use the existing version of FCC Form 497 during this transition period when either rate is acceptable. Carriers claiming the flat $9.25 rate should enter this amount on Line 5 of FCC Form 497.

Beginning with data month August 2012, all carriers will be required to claim the flat rate of $9.25 per subscriber. Also, beginning in August 2012, carriers will be required to submit their support claims on a new version of FCC Form 497, which will be available on USAC’s website prior to that time. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about filing FCC Form 497, click here.
5/1/2012 – Effective Dates for New Lifeline Program Rules
The FCC released a Public Notice on May 1, 2012 announcing the effective dates of Lifeline rules with OMB approval.

The following rules are effective May 1, 2012:

54.202(a) – Required Showings for ETC Designation
54.401(d) – Required Filings With Administrator for State ETC Designations
54.403 – Lifeline Support Amount
54.404 – National Lifeline Accountability Database (excluding carrier obligations)
54.405 – Carrier Obligation to Offer Lifeline (except for portions of section 54.405(c) (Required Disclosures) and section 54.405(e)(4) (De-enrollment for failure to re-certify)).
54.407 – Requirements for Obtaining Reimbursement and Usage Requirement
54.416 – Annual ETC Certifications
54.417 – Recordkeeping Requirements
54.420(b) – Audit Requirements for New ETCs
54.422 – Annual Reporting Requirements

The following rules are effective June 1, 2012:

54.410(a)-(f) – Subscriber Eligibility Determination and Certification

Please see the Public Notice for additional information.
4/30/2012 – Transitioning Lifeline Payments from Projections to Actuals
In the Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC mandated that USAC begin paying eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) on their actual support claims filed on FCC Form 497, rather than on USAC-generated projections. The Order specifies that USAC should begin a period of transitioning the carrier study area codes (SACs) it pays each month to payment on actual support claims, with the result that all SACs are paid on actuals no later than the disbursement that carriers receive at the end of October 2012.

ETCs that receive Lifeline support for more than one SAC should use the SAC Transition Sample Letter to inform USAC which SACs it should begin paying on actual support claims (that is, no longer include a projected payment amount), during which month of the transition. An ETC with multiple SACs can reduce the financial effect of transitioning to payment on actuals by having USAC begin paying some SACs on actual support claims each month, over a four month period, rather than eliminating projections for all SACs during the same month.

The SAC Transition Sample Letter is due to USAC by June 1. If a company with multiple SACs fails to provide this information to USAC, the Order directs USAC to select which SACs to transition each month. USAC will transition an ETC’s SACs proportionately to an ETC’s monthly disbursements so that the ETC will not experience the entire transition during one month. USAC will also inform the ETC which SACs it has selected to be moved to actual payments during which months.
4/25/2012 – Registration for Service Provider Trainings Now Closed
Registration for the Spring Service Provider Trainings in Los Angeles, CA, and Atlanta, GA, is now closed.
4/24/2012 – Agenda Now Available for Spring Service Provider Trainings
The training agenda is now available for the Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Spring Service Provider Trainings. Visit the Atlanta and Los Angeles training information pages to learn more.
4/24/2012 – USAC Provides Demand Estimate for Funding Year 2012 to FCC
On April 20, 2012, the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) reported to the Federal Communications Commission that $5.24 billion in requested funding has been estimated for schools and libraries seeking discounts for Funding Year 2012. This estimate is based on the dollars requested in 46,838 applications received or postmarked by March 20, 2012, the close of the FCC Form 471 application filing window. 

There are several factors that will reduce ultimately the funds requested from the estimated level. First, while efforts have been made to eliminate duplicate requests, inevitably we will discover more duplication as we process these applications. Second, USAC's efforts to assure that funds are committed only for eligible services, for use by eligible entities with the appropriate discount rate, and are otherwise consistent with program rules, will further reduce the demand.

For detailed information, please refer to the FY2012 Demand Estimate.  
4/17/2012 – *Update* Scheduled System Maintenance 4/19 - 4/23/2012
The Schools and Libraries section on the USAC website will be unavailable from 8:00 PM EDT on Thursday, April 19 to 8:00 AM EDT on Monday, April 23 for scheduled maintenance. The static pages, Submit a Question, Apply Online, and search functions will be unavailable. Users should plan to finish any online activities early on Thursday, April 19, or wait until Monday, April 23 to start them.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.
4/13/2012 – New Website Launched
This week, USAC launched its new website, designed to make it easier to find and understand online information and tools for participating in universal service programs. For beneficiaries, contributors, and service providers who rely on USAC’s website for news, program requirements, and resources, all the same content and tools remain available. USAC has streamlined and multiplied the pathways for people to find what they need, clarified language, and de-cluttered the look and feel of the pages. These changes should serve particularly well the needs of newcomers to universal service, trying to make a successful start with contributions or participation in any of the four programs.

Email USAC with any comments or questions. Brief tutorials are available to help users get oriented to the new website.
4/12/2012 – Funding Year 2012 Window Opens 9:00 AM EDT on April 16, 2012

Eligible health care providers (HCPs) may post FCC Form 465 (Description of Services Requested and Certification Form) for Funding Year 2012 beginning on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 9:00 AM EDT. Funding Year 2012 is from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

Visit these sections of our website for guidance:

4/4/2012 – Changes to Filing FCC Form 497
On February 6, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its Lifeline Reform Order (FCC 12-11), which makes significant changes to the federal Low Income Program. Several significant changes will go into effect April 2, 2012. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Filing FCC Form 497, click here.
4/4/2012 – Changes to Lifeline, Link Up, and TLS will take effect April 2, 2012
On February 6, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission released its Lifeline Reform Order (FCC 12-11) that makes significant changes to the federal Low Income Program. The changes summarized below went into effect April 2, 2012. A new version of FCC Form 497 will be posted on USAC's website after OMB approval as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The FCC published the PRA notice in the Federal Register on March 6, 2012 and noted that emergency approval of the Form 497 has been sought.

Link Up
Beginning April 2, 2012, Link Up support is no longer available for Non-Tribal Lifeline customers. March 2012 is the last month for which ETCs serving customers on non-Tribal lands can claim Link Up support on their FCC Form 497. For example, if an ETC serving non-Tribal lands currently receives Link Up support and enrolls a new subscriber on March 15, 2012, that ETC may claim Link Up support for that subscriber. If, however, that ETC enrolls a new subscriber on April 2, 2012, that ETC may not claim Link Up support for that subscriber.

ETCs that receive High Cost support may claim Tribal Link Up support to cover 100 percent of customary charge for commencing telecommunications service, up to $100, for eligible residents of Tribal lands.

TLS
Beginning April 2, 2012, Toll Limitation Service (TLS) support is capped at the lesser of $3.00 per subscriber or an ETC's incremental cost of providing the service per subscriber. March 2012 will be the last month ETC's may claim support for TLS reimbursement at rates higher than $3.00 per subscriber on FCC Form 497.
4/4/2012 – Extension of Effective Date of $9.25 Flat Rate
On March 29th, the FCC released a public notice informing carriers that the new $9.25 flat-rate will not be effective until the Office of Management and Budget approves the information collection requirements related to the $9.25 rate and the Commission publishes a subsequent notice in the Federal Register setting the effective date. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will approve the data collection requirements related to the $9.25 flat-rate no sooner than April 6. Following approval by OMB, the Commission will publish a notice in the Federal Register setting the date by which ETCs must come into compliance with the $9.25 flat rate. This date will be no sooner than 90 days after the notice is published.
4/2/2012 – FCC Form 499-Q Is Due May 1, 2012

FCC rules require all telecommunications carriers providing interstate and international telecommunications services (with limited exceptions) and certain other providers of interstate telecommunications, such as interconnected VoIP providers, to contribute to the universal service fund (USF) and file a quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet (FCC Form 499-Q). 

To file the FCC Form 499-Q online, USAC provides an E-File portal to save you time and to ensure timely filing. The many benefits of online filing include auto-population of non-financial data, instant form certification, auto-checking throughout the form, and access to helpful hints. For help with your E-File user name and password, contact USAC Customer Operations at (888) 641-8722.

FCC Form 499-Q and form instructions can be found on the Forms page of our website. NOTE: Please make sure to use the February 2010 version of the FCC Form 499-Q. Earlier versions of the form will not be processed.

De minimis Exempt telecommunications providers do not need to complete the FCC Form 499-Q. Go to the Who Must Contribute page to see if your company qualifies as de minimis.

Late Filing Fees – A late filing fee may be imposed for filing after the due date or failing to file. The late filing fee is the greater of $100 per month or an amount computed using the U.S. prime rate (in effect on the date the applicable form is due) plus 3.5 percent of the filer's monthly obligation (FCC 07-150). 

Note: FCC Order 11-150 (released October 7, 2011) requires all providers of non-interconnected VoIP services to register with the FCC and to file the annual FCC Form 499-A. This order codifies the obligation that, since 2007, interconnected VoIP service providers have been required to contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund (TRS Fund) and extends the TRS Fund contribution requirement to providers of non-interconnected VoIP services. The 2012 FCC Form 499-A was due April 9, 2012. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact USAC Customer Operations at (888) 641-8722 or via email.
4/2/2012 – Filing Extension for FCC Form 499-A
Due to issues with the E-File system, 2012 FCC Form 499-A forms and 2011 FCC Form 499-A revisions received either online or through paper submission before April 10, 2012, will be considered as received on time. USAC apologizes for the inconvenience, and thanks you for your patience.
3/31/2012 – 2011 Annual Report Published
USAC's 2011 Annual Report presents highlights for the year in universal service programs, including new program rules from the FCC, IT improvements, and increased outreach to beneficiaries and contributors.  
3/30/2012 – Avoid Peak Hours to E-File Your 2012 FCC Form 499-A
Peak filing periods for the FCC Form 499-A in the E-File system is 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EDT. USAC encourages contributors to file the 2012 FCC Form 499-A during the non-peak periods for a faster and smoother filing experience.
3/30/2012 – USAC to Offer Extended Support for the 2012 FCC Form 499-A Filing, due April 9, 2012
USAC Customer Operations will be offering extended support for filers of the 2012 FCC Form 499-A.

The Customer Operations Center will offer extended hours for call support on Friday, March 30, 2012 and Monday, April 2, 2012. Analysts will be available until 7:00 PM EDT. You can reach them at (888) 641-8722. Select Option 2, and Option 2.

In addition, Customer Operations will be offering email support the weekend of March 31, 2012. For assistance over the weekend please email USAC.
3/29/2012 – USAC Issues Reminders for April 1, 2012 Filing Requirements
Based on the compliance requirements (formerly found in Section 54.209 and now in Section 54.313) as discussed in the FCC CAF Clarification Order (DA-12-147), USAC issues these reminders to telecommunications carriers as to April 1, 2012 filing requirements. 
3/29/2012 – Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Provides Guidance Regarding the Effective Date of Certain Rules Adopted in the Lifeline Reform Order
In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) notifies Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) and other stakeholders that the amendments to section 54.403 of the Commission's rules adopted in the Commission's Lifeline Reform Order1 implementing the $9.25 flat rate on non-Tribal lands cannot become effective until the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approves the data collection provisions of that rule. Upon OMB approval, we intend to publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of the rule and providing no less than 90 days after such publication for ETCs to come into compliance with the provisions related to the $9.25 flat rate on non-Tribal lands.

For further information, please contact Jonathan Lechter, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau at (202) 418-7400 or TTY (202) 418-0484.
3/28/2012 – Pilot Program Participants Invited to Attend "My Portal" Training at ATA April 28
Rural Health Care "My Portal" and Pilot Program Training: ATA Conference in San Jose, CA

USAC is developing a new application management system for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program, called My Portal, which will be deployed for the 2012 Funding Year. USAC will host a pre-conference training at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) International Meeting & Exposition for program participants to explain the exciting new features of My Portal, followed by a discussion specific to RHC Pilot Program participants.

Register early! Registration is complimentary, but is limited to 45 participants. You don't need to be registered for the ATA meeting in order to attend this event. 
 
Date & Location
Saturday April 28, 2012
USAC RHC My Portal & Pilot Program Training
American Telemedicine Association (ATA) International Meeting & Exposition
Marriott Hotel
Willow Glen I-III San Jose, CA
Training Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

My Portal Training 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Program staff will provide a comprehensive review of My Portal.

Topics will include:
•Security changes
•How to register and log in to My Portal
•How to navigate My Portal
•How to draft, label, submit, and manage forms
•How to upload and store supporting documentation, including communication between the HCP and USAC
•How to access forms for multiple HCPs
•Other new features

1:00-2:00 PM: Lunch
2:00-3:00 PM: Pilot Program "bridge funding"
3:00-4:00 PM: Next steps for Pilot projects after the June 30 deadline training
4:00-5:00 PM: Pilot Program evaluation update

Additional Information

You do not need to be registered for the ATA Meeting & Exposition to attend this training. To change or cancel your registration, email USAC Training and reference your name, confirmation code, and request.

Please inform USAC at least one week prior to the training of any special auxiliary aids or accommodations needed to assist you in attending this event.
3/28/2012 – FCC Announces 2nd Quarter (April-June) 2012 Contribution Factor Will Decrease to 17.4% (0.174)
On March 13, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission released this Public Notice announcing that the proposed universal service contribution factor for the second quarter (April-June) of 2012 will be 0.174, or 17.4 percent.
3/27/2012 – "470 No 471" Email Notifications Issued
Each year, USAC sends a notification to applicants that have timely posted an FCC Form 470 to the USAC website but not yet filed an FCC Form 471 funding request citing that FCC Form 470. In the past, USAC has issued this notification by letter – one letter per form – shortly after the last day to post an FCC Form 470 and still complete all of the program activities necessary to file an FCC Form 471 by the close of the filing window.

On March 2, USAC prepared an email to each FCC Form 470 contact person or authorized person with a timely posted FCC Form 470 not cited on any FCC Form 471 Block 5 funding request (Item 11 on the form) as of February 28. For each unique email address, this email contained all affected FCC Form 470 application numbers and all Billed Entity Numbers. We expect this improved format to prove more helpful and less confusing to applicants.

  • If the contact person email address appeared in Item 6e of the form, the email was sent to the contact person.

  • If the contact person email address was blank but the authorized person email address appeared in Item 27f of the form, the email was sent to the authorized person.

  • NOTE: If both email address fields were blank, USAC issued a letter – one per form – and sent the letters to the contact person street address (Item 6b of the form).

Of the almost 27,500 forms that fit the above criteria, all but about 700 were included in email notifications.

Please note: Applicants must still wait at least 28 days after the posting of the FCC Form 470 – or the public availability of a Request for Proposals (RFP), if one was issued – before closing the competitive bidding process, choosing a service provider, signing a contract (if applicable), and signing and submitting the FCC Form 471 by 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, March 20.

3/27/2012 – HCPs Pre-Registered for "My Portal" Must Complete Registration

Over the last few months, RHC has attempted to confirm contact information from the authorized signer listed on the most recent FCC Form 465.

Those who responded have been pre-registered in My Portal. Those who did not respond to the original emails requesting confirmation will not be pre-registered and will likely experience a slight delay in posting their FCC Form 465 for Funding Year 2012 when the window opens on April 16, 2012.

Authorized contacts for HCPs that have been pre-registered will have received an email on April 13, 2012, confirming that their accounts have been set up, with additional information about how to complete the registration process. The registration process must be completed within 72 hours of receiving the confirmation email before the temporary password included in the email expires.

Questions about pre-registration? Contact RHC Outreach.

3/23/2012 – Updated: Frozen High Cost Support for Price Caps (and Rate-of-Return Affiliates) and CETCs

On November 18, 2011, the FCC released the "Connect America Fund" Order & FNPRM (FCC 11-161), reforming the Universal Service Fund. High Cost support for price cap (and rate-of-return affiliates) and competitive eligible telecommunications carriers was frozen effective January 1, 2012, based on the January 31, 2012 view of their 2011 support.

For more information, please reference the Connect America Fund Order at paragraph 133 for price cap carriers (also Part 54.312(a)) and paragraphs 515 and 519 for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (also Part 54.307(e)).

Update: on February 27, 2012, the FCC issued DA 12-298, which included clarification of High Cost support for Verizon Wireless.

High Cost Frozen Support DA 12-298 
High Cost Frozen Support DA 12-298 

Please note Alaska Non-Remote areas that would have been flagged as AK (State Code 61) are now under state AN (Alaska Non-Remote) with a state code of 98.

3/12/2012 – Changes to Filing FCC Form 497
On February 6, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its Lifeline Reform Order (FCC 12-11), which makes significant changes to the federal Low Income Program. Several significant changes will go into effect April 2, 2012. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Filing FCC Form 497 click here.
3/8/2012 – CSB Extended Hours for FY2012 Window Questions

The Client Service Bureau (CSB) will be open extended hours before the close of the window to assist last-minute filers with program questions. You can call (888) 203-8100, Submit a Question, or fax your question or request to (888) 276-8736.

CSB is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET. In addition, CSB will be open the following hours:

DATE

OPEN

CLOSE

Saturday, March 17

9:00 AM EDT

6:00 PM EDT

Sunday, March 18

9:00 AM EDT

6:00 PM EDT

Monday, March 19

8:00 AM EDT

11:00 PM EDT

Tuesday, March 20

8:00 AM EDT

12:30 AM EDT (March 21)

3/7/2012 – SITE MAINTENANCE--The website will be unavailable from 11:59 PM on 3/7/12 to 7:00 AM on 3/8/12
We are sorry for the inconvienence. 
3/7/2012 – March Conference Call Now Via Webinar
To introduce My Portal, this month's conference call on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 2:00 PM ET, will be presented via webinar and will feature an overview of the new application system.

Instructions to log in will be provided in this week's conference call reminder email (sign up here). For assistance with webinars, contact USAC Outreach.
3/2/2012 – "470 No 471" Email Notifications Issued

Each year, USAC sends a notification to applicants that have timely posted an FCC Form 470 to the USAC website but not yet filed an FCC Form 471 funding request citing that FCC Form 470. In the past, USAC has issued this notification by letter – one letter per form – shortly after the last day to post an FCC Form 470 and still complete all of the program activities necessary to file an FCC Form 471 by the close of the filing window.

On March 2, USAC prepared an email to each FCC Form 470 contact person or authorized person with a timely posted FCC Form 470 not cited on any FCC Form 471 Block 5 funding request (Item 11 on the form) as of February 28. For each unique email address, this email contained all affected FCC Form 470 application numbers and all Billed Entity Numbers. We expect this improved format to prove more helpful and less confusing to applicants.

  • If the contact person email address appeared in Item 6e of the form, the email was sent to the contact person.
  • If the contact person email address was blank but the authorized person email address appeared in Item 27f of the form, the email was sent to the authorized person.
  • NOTE: If both email address fields were blank, USAC issued a letter – one per form – and sent the letters to the contact person street address (Item 6b of the form).

Of the almost 27,500 forms that fit the above criteria, all but about 700 were included in email notifications.

Please note: Applicants must still wait at least 28 days after the posting of the FCC Form 470 – or the public availability of a Request for Proposals (RFP), if one was issued – before closing the competitive bidding process, choosing a service provider, signing a contract (if applicable), and signing and submitting the FCC Form 471 by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 20.

2/29/2012 – Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) Receiving IAS Must File Quarterly Line Counts

The next line count filing is due no later than the last business day of the quarter, March 30, 2012, for the number of lines served as of December 31, 2011. Lines must be reported by UNE zone and customer class. (Residential and single line business lines are reported separately from multi-line business lines.)

1Q12_IAS.pdf

2/24/2012 – Acting CEO Scott Barash Testifies Before House Subcommittee
On Thursday, February 16, 2012, USAC Acting CEO Scott Barash testified before the House Subcommittee. Read his testimony here.
2/22/2012 – Changes to Lifeline, Link Up, and TLS will take effect April 2, 2012
On February 6, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission released its Lifeline Reform Order (FCC 12-11) that makes significant changes to the federal Low Income Program. The changes summarized below will go into effect April 2, 2012. A new version of FCC Form 497 will be posted on USAC's website after OMB approval as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The FCC published the PRA notice in the Federal Register on March 6, 2012 and noted that emergency approval of the Form 497 has been sought. The FCC Form 497 is expected to be approved by mid-April and carriers will be able to use it to submit for reimbursement for April subscribers, which are submitted in May 2012.

Lifeline
Beginning April 2, 2012, Eligible Telecommunications Carriers' (ETCs) federal Lifeline support will equal $9.25 per month for each eligible, Non-Tribal Lifeline subscriber pursuant to 47 C.F.R. 54.403 of the Commission's new rules. March 2012 will be the last month ETCs may claim federal support under the old Tiers 1 - 3. ETCs may claim up to an additional $25.00 for each eligible resident of Tribal lands (including any federally recognized Indian tribe's reservation, pueblo, or colony including former reservations in Oklahoma; Alaska Native Regions; Indian Allotments; or Hawaiian Home Lands) as long as the amount claimed on FCC Form 497 is not greater than the amount billed to the customer.

Link Up
Beginning April 2, 2012, Link Up support is no longer available for Non-Tribal Lifeline customers. March 2012 is the last month for which ETCs serving customers on non-Tribal lands can claim Link Up support on their FCC Form 497. For example, if an ETC serving non-Tribal lands currently receives Link Up support and enrolls a new subscriber on March 15, 2012, that ETC may claim Link Up support for that subscriber. If, however, that ETC enrolls a new subscriber on April 2, 2012, that ETC may not claim Link Up support for that subscriber. ETCs that receive High Cost support may claim Tribal Link Up support to cover 100 percent of customary charge for commencing telecommunications service, up to $100, for eligible residents of Tribal lands.

TLS
Beginning April 2, 2012, Toll Limitation Service (TLS) support is capped at the lesser of $3.00 per subscriber or an ETC's incremental cost of providing the service per subscriber. March 2012 will be the last month ETC's may claim support for TLS reimbursement at rates higher than $3.00 per subscriber on FCC Form 497.
2/15/2012 – Frozen High Cost Support for Price Caps (and Rate-of-Return Affiliates) and CETCs

On November 18, 2011, the FCC released the "Connect America Fund" Order & FNPRM (FCC 11-161), reforming the Universal Service Fund. High Cost support for price cap (and rate-of-return affiliates) and competitive eligible telecommunications carriers was frozen effective January 1, 2012, based on the January 31, 2012 view of their 2011 support.

For more information, please reference the Connect America Fund Order at paragraph 133 for price cap carriers (also Part 54.312(a)) and paragraphs 515 and 519 for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (also Part 54.307(e)).

High Cost Frozen Support, February 15, 2012 (PDF)
High Cost Frozen Support, February 15, 2012 (XLS)

Please note Alaska Non-Remote areas that would have been flagged as AK (State Code 61) are now under state AN (Alaska Non-Remote) with a state code of 98.

2/10/2012 – FY2012 FCC Form 470 Deadline – Tuesday, February 21
Submit FCC Form 470 online now. If you have not yet submitted your FCC Form 470, do so online as soon as possible. The last possible day to post an FCC Form 470 for FY2012 and still timely file an FCC Form 471 is Tuesday, February 21, 2012.
2/8/2012 – RHC Circuit, First Quarter 2012 Edition
Read the 1Q2012 RHC Circuit online, or subscribe to it and receive it each quarter in your inbox.
1/13/2012 – The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2012
The Schools and Libraries Client Service Bureau will be closed Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. The Client Service Bureau will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 17 at 8:00 am EST.
1/10/2012 – First Applicants Finish Online FY2012 Applications
Congratulations to the first applicants that filed and certified an FCC Form 471 for FY2012 – including the Item 21 attachment(s) – online! Applicants that file early have a much better chance of being included in the earliest funding waves for a funding year.

The first successful online filers were:
  • First individual school: PIMERIA ALTA ACADEMY, Nogales, Arizona
  • First school district: WEST POINT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, West Point, Virginia
  • First library: MONITEAU COUNTY/PRICE JAMES LIBRARY, Tipton, Missouri
  • First consortium: CLARE-GLADWIN RESD, Clare, Michigan

Remember that the Item 21 attachment is a window filing requirement for FY2012 and must be submitted by March 20, 2012.

1/9/2012 – Act Now--Password Reset Required for all E-File Users
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) recently completed an upgrade of the E-File system. As a result, all user passwords were reset. Existing users (Company Officers, General Contacts, and Preparers listed on the FCC Form 498 and/or FCC Forms 499-A/Q) received an email advising them of their temporary password. The next time you log into the system, you will be prompted to provide a new password.

Your temporary password will expire on February 7, 2012. If you are having problems with the temporary password you received or if your password has expired please click here to reset the password.

If you have an Authorized User account, please contact the Company Officer or General Contact associated with your account to reset your password.

For support, contact USAC at (888) 641-8722 or via email.
1/6/2012 – Online BEAR and E-file System Unavailable This Weekend

Access to the online BEAR system and the service provider E-file System will be unavailable from 9:00 pm EST on Friday, January 6 through 8:00 am EST on Monday, January 9 due to system upgrade work.

During this time:

  • Applicants will not be able to submit BEAR Forms online.
  • Service providers will not be able to approve BEAR Forms online.
  • Service providers will not be able to view Item 21 attachments for FY2011 and previous funding years that applicants filed online.
  • Service providers will not be able to log in to the E-file System to perform other activities such as assigning permissions or updating Form 498 information.