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6/12/2013
– FCC Issues Waiver of the FCC Form 481 July 1 Filing Requirement
The FCC issued an order (DA-13-1348) on June 10, which waives the July 1, 2013, annual reporting filing requirement as identified under Section 54.313(j) of the FCC’s rules. The FCC created the Carrier Annual Reporting Data Collection Form (FCC Form 481), to collect this information and the FCC is currently seeking approval of the form from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The new FCC Form 481 includes the Lifeline required reportings under Section 54.422 of the FCC’s rules. Therefore, a single filing deadline will reduce the administrative burden on USAC. The FCC will afford reasonable time for ETCs to file their annual reporting required under Sections 54.313 and 54.422, after OMB’s approval of FCC Form 481.
The FCC, however, did not waive the annual rate floor filing of local rates pursuant to Section 54.313(h) of the FCC’s rules, due July 1, 2013. The affected carriers should use the OMB’s (Control Number 3060-0986) approved Rate Floor Data Collection Report and Certification available on the High Cost Program Forms page.
The FCC also waived the annual certification filing deadline for states, or ETCs not subject to the jurisdiction of a state, to certify to the proper use of universal service support under Section 54.314(d) of the FCC’s rules. The states or ETCs must file the Section 54.314 certification within 60 days after ETCs have filed the 2013 FCC Form 481 annual reports.
The FCC issued an order (DA-13-1348) on June 10, which waives the July 1, 2013, annual reporting filing requirement as identified under Section 54.313(j) of the FCC’s rules. The FCC created the Carrier Annual Reporting Data Collection Form (FCC Form 481), to collect this information and the FCC is currently seeking approval of the form from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The new FCC Form 481 includes the Lifeline required reportings under Section 54.422 of the FCC’s rules. Therefore, a single filing deadline will reduce the administrative burden on USAC. The FCC will afford reasonable time for ETCs to file their annual reporting required under Sections 54.313 and 54.422, after OMB’s approval of FCC Form 481.
The FCC, however, did not waive the annual rate floor filing of local rates pursuant to Section 54.313(h) of the FCC’s rules, due July 1, 2013. The affected carriers should use the OMB’s (Control Number 3060-0986) approved Rate Floor Data Collection Report and Certification available on the High Cost Program Forms page.
The FCC also waived the annual certification filing deadline for states, or ETCs not subject to the jurisdiction of a state, to certify to the proper use of universal service support under Section 54.314(d) of the FCC’s rules. The states or ETCs must file the Section 54.314 certification within 60 days after ETCs have filed the 2013 FCC Form 481 annual reports.
6/11/2013
– Rate Floor Certification Filing Due July 1st
The FCC issued a waiver order (DA 13-1348) on June 10, which confirms the filing date for the rate floor certification and states that affected carriers must report their rates pursuant to Section 54.313(h) of the FCC’s rules on July 1, 2013.
The Rate Floor Certification filing requirement was clarified in the FCC’s Third Order on Reconsideration (FCC 12-52) released May 14, 2012. The Rate Floor Data Collection Report and Certification is available on the High Cost Program Forms page.
The FCC issued a waiver order (DA 13-1348) on June 10, which confirms the filing date for the rate floor certification and states that affected carriers must report their rates pursuant to Section 54.313(h) of the FCC’s rules on July 1, 2013.
The Rate Floor Certification filing requirement was clarified in the FCC’s Third Order on Reconsideration (FCC 12-52) released May 14, 2012. The Rate Floor Data Collection Report and Certification is available on the High Cost Program Forms page.
6/7/2013
– A Separate ICLS Self-Certification is No Longer Required
Under previous High Cost Program support regulations, carrier’s certified their ICLS use by submitting a form annually to USAC by June 30th. Carriers are now required to certify their compliance through the new 54.314 certification for all federal high-cost support. This requirement changed with the release of FCC Order 11-161.
54.314 Certifications are due on October 1, 2013. Sample certifications can be found on the USAC website.
The new certification requirements are outlined in CFR 54.314.
If you have questions or need assistance, please email USAC.
Under previous High Cost Program support regulations, carrier’s certified their ICLS use by submitting a form annually to USAC by June 30th. Carriers are now required to certify their compliance through the new 54.314 certification for all federal high-cost support. This requirement changed with the release of FCC Order 11-161.
54.314 Certifications are due on October 1, 2013. Sample certifications can be found on the USAC website.
The new certification requirements are outlined in CFR 54.314.
If you have questions or need assistance, please email USAC.
4/29/2013
– Mobility Fund Phase I Announcements
On April 25, 2013, the FCC issued a Public Notice regarding Mobility Fund Phase 1 Support, Auction 901. The first authorized bids are found in Attachment A and defaulted bids are in Attachment B.
Instructions for companies ready to be authorized were also released on April 25, 2013. The list of these companies is Attachment A.
On April 25, 2013, the FCC issued a Public Notice regarding Mobility Fund Phase 1 Support, Auction 901. The first authorized bids are found in Attachment A and defaulted bids are in Attachment B.
Instructions for companies ready to be authorized were also released on April 25, 2013. The list of these companies is Attachment A.
4/17/2013
– Website and Application Outages Saturday, April 20
The USAC website and applications including: E-File, Rural Health Care My Portal, Schools and Libraries Apply Online and Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools, may experience periodic outages throughout the day on Saturday, April 20 for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
The USAC website and applications including: E-File, Rural Health Care My Portal, Schools and Libraries Apply Online and Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools, may experience periodic outages throughout the day on Saturday, April 20 for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
4/11/2013
– Draft FCC Form 481 Available to Carriers
USAC is releasing these proposed filing templates to facilitate carriers' preparation for meeting the information collection requirements for recipients of High Cost Program and/or Connect America Fund support associated with Section 54.313, as well as the reporting requirements for recipients of Lifeline Program support associated with Section 54.422.
While the proposed draft FCC Form 481 and instructions are pending OMB approval, carriers can utilize the draft Excel worksheet to collect the data required by the filing.
This version of the FCC Form 481 is a preliminary form which is subject to change in the OMB approval process. Further, only the final OMB approved version of the FCC Form 481 will be accepted on or before the July 1, 2013, filing deadline.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact USAC.
USAC is releasing these proposed filing templates to facilitate carriers' preparation for meeting the information collection requirements for recipients of High Cost Program and/or Connect America Fund support associated with Section 54.313, as well as the reporting requirements for recipients of Lifeline Program support associated with Section 54.422.
While the proposed draft FCC Form 481 and instructions are pending OMB approval, carriers can utilize the draft Excel worksheet to collect the data required by the filing.
This version of the FCC Form 481 is a preliminary form which is subject to change in the OMB approval process. Further, only the final OMB approved version of the FCC Form 481 will be accepted on or before the July 1, 2013, filing deadline.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact USAC.
4/10/2013
– FCC Form 525 No Longer Required
Under previous High Cost Program support regulations, USAC received quarterly line count filings from carriers via the FCC Form 525. As of January 1, 2012, carriers are no longer required to file line counts (the FCC Form 525) due to FCC 11-161, effective December 29, 2011.
The only exception are CETCs subject to delayed phase downs in Alaska [54.307(e)(3)(i)] and Standing Rock Telecom. These carriers are still required to file line counts.
Under previous High Cost Program support regulations, USAC received quarterly line count filings from carriers via the FCC Form 525. As of January 1, 2012, carriers are no longer required to file line counts (the FCC Form 525) due to FCC 11-161, effective December 29, 2011.
The only exception are CETCs subject to delayed phase downs in Alaska [54.307(e)(3)(i)] and Standing Rock Telecom. These carriers are still required to file line counts.
4/4/2013
– 2013 CAF ICC Filing Deadline Updated
On March 27, the FCC released an order (DA 13-564), which updates
This date coincides with the annual interstate access tariff filing deadline established in an order (DA 13-553
On March 27, the FCC released an order (DA 13-564), which updates
This date coincides with the annual interstate access tariff filing deadline established in an order (DA 13-553
3/5/2013
– FCC Seeks Comment on New Reporting Form
The FCC is seeking comment on the new information collection requirements for recipients of High Cost Program and/or Connect America Fund support associated with Section 54.313, as well as the reporting requirements for recipients of Lifeline Program support associated with Section 54.422.
The Transformation Order required that any carrier receiving High Cost Program support and/or Connect America Fund support must file certain information and certifications by July 1, 2013, including a five-year service quality improvement plan, pricing information for both voice and broadband offerings, and financial statements. The Commission will submit this information collection after the comment period to obtain the full, three-year clearance from the Office of Management and Budget, and approval for a new FCC Form 481, an annual reporting form for High Cost Program and Lifeline Program beneficiaries.
Carriers have until April 26, 2013, to comment to the FCC on this proposed reporting. Instructions on how to file comments can be found online.
The proposed draft FCC Form 481 and instructions, still pending OMB approval, and the OMB Notice have been posted for review.
On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, the FCC released a Clarification Order. In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) clarifies and waives certain aspects of the reporting requirements for eligible telecommunications carriers relating to five-year build-out plans and broadband network testing. The WCB also clarifies and revises Section 54.313(a) of the Commission's rules accordingly.
The FCC is seeking comment on the new information collection requirements for recipients of High Cost Program and/or Connect America Fund support associated with Section 54.313, as well as the reporting requirements for recipients of Lifeline Program support associated with Section 54.422.
The Transformation Order required that any carrier receiving High Cost Program support and/or Connect America Fund support must file certain information and certifications by July 1, 2013, including a five-year service quality improvement plan, pricing information for both voice and broadband offerings, and financial statements. The Commission will submit this information collection after the comment period to obtain the full, three-year clearance from the Office of Management and Budget, and approval for a new FCC Form 481, an annual reporting form for High Cost Program and Lifeline Program beneficiaries.
Carriers have until April 26, 2013, to comment to the FCC on this proposed reporting. Instructions on how to file comments can be found online.
The proposed draft FCC Form 481 and instructions, still pending OMB approval, and the OMB Notice have been posted for review.
On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, the FCC released a Clarification Order. In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) clarifies and waives certain aspects of the reporting requirements for eligible telecommunications carriers relating to five-year build-out plans and broadband network testing. The WCB also clarifies and revises Section 54.313(a) of the Commission's rules accordingly.
1/16/2013
– Website and Application Outages Due to Scheduled System Maintenance: Saturday, January 19
The entire USAC website, including all static content, will be unavailable Saturday, January 19 from 8:00 AM through 10:00 AM EST due to scheduled maintenance. In addition, certain applications will be unavailable from Friday, January 18 at 11:59 PM to Saturday, January 19 at 10:00 AM EST. These applications include E-File, My Portal, funding commitment search tools, the News Brief archives, and training archives. The Schools and Libraries "Apply Online" page, "Submit a Question" page, online forms, and other search tools will be available except during the two-hour period when the entire website is down. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The entire USAC website, including all static content, will be unavailable Saturday, January 19 from 8:00 AM through 10:00 AM EST due to scheduled maintenance. In addition, certain applications will be unavailable from Friday, January 18 at 11:59 PM to Saturday, January 19 at 10:00 AM EST. These applications include E-File, My Portal, funding commitment search tools, the News Brief archives, and training archives. The Schools and Libraries "Apply Online" page, "Submit a Question" page, online forms, and other search tools will be available except during the two-hour period when the entire website is down. We apologize for any inconvenience.
1/15/2013
– Revised Deadline for ETC Annual Reporting for 2013
In an Order (FCC 12-52) released on May 14, 2012, the FCC moved Section 54.313 progress reporting deadlines from April 1 to July 1.
On July 1, 2013, all ETCs previously designated by the Commission are required to file a new five-year build-out plan that accounts for the new broadband obligations (which will replace the five-year build-out plan currently on file with the Commission). This five-year plan is filed with the FCC and USAC and copies are sent to the relevant state commission, relevant authority in a U.S. Territory, or Tribal government, as appropriate. ETCs that were designated by the state commission should continue to comply with state requirements.
Beginning July 1, 2014, all ETCs are required to file annual progress reports on their new five-year build-out plans.
In an Order (FCC 12-52) released on May 14, 2012, the FCC moved Section 54.313 progress reporting deadlines from April 1 to July 1.
On July 1, 2013, all ETCs previously designated by the Commission are required to file a new five-year build-out plan that accounts for the new broadband obligations (which will replace the five-year build-out plan currently on file with the Commission). This five-year plan is filed with the FCC and USAC and copies are sent to the relevant state commission, relevant authority in a U.S. Territory, or Tribal government, as appropriate. ETCs that were designated by the state commission should continue to comply with state requirements.
Beginning July 1, 2014, all ETCs are required to file annual progress reports on their new five-year build-out plans.
12/19/2012
– HCLI News Issued
The December 2012 HCLI News for the High Cost and Lifeline Programs is now available.
The December 2012 HCLI News for the High Cost and Lifeline Programs is now available.
12/13/2012
– Connect America Cost Model Now Available
The Connect America Fund Phase II for price cap carriers, or Connect America Cost Model (CACM), is now available.
The Connect America Fund Phase II for price cap carriers, or Connect America Cost Model (CACM), is now available.
11/26/2012
– New Version of FCC Form 498 Now Available
Beginning November 26, 2012, all service providers must use the new FCC Form 498 when applying for a new SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number) or when making changes to contact or remittance information to an existing SPIN.
USAC has posted the new FCC Form 498 and instructions on its website. No prior years’ forms will be accepted; service providers who submit an outdated form will receive notice from USAC that the form could not be processed. E-File users will automatically see the newest version of the form upon log in, and their information will pre-populate.
Features of the new FCC Form 498 include:
• an additional field in block 3 for a company's Federal Registration Number (FRN);
• a column for the Study Area Code Company Name in Block 8;
• the ability for a carrier to designate an alternate bank account for the payment of BEAR funds in Block 11;
• a box in Block 1 and a supplemental information sheet to allow respondents to include information about affiliates;
• an update to the Principal Communications Types in Block 14 to include additional business types as listed on the FCC Form 499-A;
• a box after every program on the form that will allow service providers to cease participation in the associated program without having to deactivate their entire SPIN.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the FCC Form 498 and the notice was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2012.
Please contact USAC Customer Operations at (888)641-8722 with any questions about the new FCC Form 498.
Beginning November 26, 2012, all service providers must use the new FCC Form 498 when applying for a new SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number) or when making changes to contact or remittance information to an existing SPIN.
USAC has posted the new FCC Form 498 and instructions on its website. No prior years’ forms will be accepted; service providers who submit an outdated form will receive notice from USAC that the form could not be processed. E-File users will automatically see the newest version of the form upon log in, and their information will pre-populate.
Features of the new FCC Form 498 include:
• an additional field in block 3 for a company's Federal Registration Number (FRN);
• a column for the Study Area Code Company Name in Block 8;
• the ability for a carrier to designate an alternate bank account for the payment of BEAR funds in Block 11;
• a box in Block 1 and a supplemental information sheet to allow respondents to include information about affiliates;
• an update to the Principal Communications Types in Block 14 to include additional business types as listed on the FCC Form 499-A;
• a box after every program on the form that will allow service providers to cease participation in the associated program without having to deactivate their entire SPIN.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the FCC Form 498 and the notice was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2012.
Please contact USAC Customer Operations at (888)641-8722 with any questions about the new FCC Form 498.
