About High Cost:

• Overview of the Program
• Overview of the Process
• Site Visits
• Training Events
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• Filing Appeals
• Red Light Status (FCC site)
• Requesting Confidential Information
• Understanding Audits
• Understanding Disaggregation
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• USAC FCC Filings

High Cost Tools:

• Required Forms
• Filing Requirements and Deadlines
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• High Cost Maps IAS
• HCM CLLI Tool
• Disaggregation Maps
• Disaggregation Checklist
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• Disbursement Data Search
• Certification Search
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• Latest News
• Program Compliance - Whistleblower Hotline
• Submitting A Complaint

Step 2: Determine Eligibility

To participate in the High Cost Program, rural and non-rural incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) and competitive wireline and wireless telephone companies must be designated as eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) by their state commissions or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Wireline and wireless telephone companies that want to be designated as ETCs must offer the telecommunications services or functions that are designated for Universal Service Fund support by the FCC in Section 54.101 of its rules. ETCs must also advertise the availability of Lifeline service, which is a component of the Low Income Program of the Universal Service Fund.

While most ILECs are already designated as ETCs, there may be new carriers that receive ILEC status through the FCC waiver process. Competitive ETCs are designated on an ongoing basis.