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4/19/2013
– Lifeline Program Accountability Database Construction Under Way
Building on measures that cut over $213 million from projected 2012 program disbursements, the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) will detect and prevent duplicative Lifeline support and enforce the Commission’s one-per-household limitation for Lifeline support to eligible consumers. Lifeline providers will use the NLAD to ensure that potential low-income consumers are not already receiving support from any other provider.
Read the full press release on the USAC website Press Releases page.
Building on measures that cut over $213 million from projected 2012 program disbursements, the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) will detect and prevent duplicative Lifeline support and enforce the Commission’s one-per-household limitation for Lifeline support to eligible consumers. Lifeline providers will use the NLAD to ensure that potential low-income consumers are not already receiving support from any other provider.
Read the full press release on the USAC website Press Releases page.
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.
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.
1/29/2013
– 2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines Released
On January 24, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released their annual update to the federal poverty guidelines in the Federal Register (Vol. 78, No. 16, January 24, 2013, pp. 5182-5183). Since households at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for Lifeline support, USAC has created a chart that outlines 135% of the federal poverty guidelines for 2013. ETCs should use this chart to update any Lifeline eligibility materials containing the federal poverty guidelines for 2013.
On January 24, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released their annual update to the federal poverty guidelines in the Federal Register (Vol. 78, No. 16, January 24, 2013, pp. 5182-5183). Since households at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for Lifeline support, USAC has created a chart that outlines 135% of the federal poverty guidelines for 2013. ETCs should use this chart to update any Lifeline eligibility materials containing the federal poverty guidelines for 2013.
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.
1/8/2013
– Bulk Upload Now Available for FCC Form 555 Online Filing
The FCC Form 555, Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form, is available for filing through USAC's online portal, E-File, now with a bulk upload feature available.
Similar to the bulk feature available for online FCC Form 497 filers, a bulk feature has been added to assist carriers reporting and certifying FCC Form 555 data for multiple SAC/state combinations. Carriers completing the bulk processes for FCC Form 555 will need to complete the FCC Form 555 Bulk Template. To ensure that everything is completed properly, use our online filing instructions.
The first submission of the FCC Form 555 is due to USAC by January 31, 2013. That submission will include the results of ETCs' certification of their subscriber bases as of June 1, 2012. USAC recommends the use of the online FCC Form 555; however, carriers may submit completed forms via email. ETCs must file a copy of their FCC Form 555 with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by filing the form in Docket 11-42. For information on how to file electronically via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, please refer to the FCC's website.
The FCC Form 555, Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form, is available for filing through USAC's online portal, E-File, now with a bulk upload feature available.
Similar to the bulk feature available for online FCC Form 497 filers, a bulk feature has been added to assist carriers reporting and certifying FCC Form 555 data for multiple SAC/state combinations. Carriers completing the bulk processes for FCC Form 555 will need to complete the FCC Form 555 Bulk Template. To ensure that everything is completed properly, use our online filing instructions.
The first submission of the FCC Form 555 is due to USAC by January 31, 2013. That submission will include the results of ETCs' certification of their subscriber bases as of June 1, 2012. USAC recommends the use of the online FCC Form 555; however, carriers may submit completed forms via email. ETCs must file a copy of their FCC Form 555 with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by filing the form in Docket 11-42. For information on how to file electronically via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, please refer to the FCC's website.
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.
12/5/2012
– FCC Form 555 Is Now Available for Online Filing
The FCC Form 555, Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form, is now available for filing through USAC's online portal, E-File. ETCs must use the FCC Form 555 to report the results of their annual certification of consumers' continuing eligibility for Lifeline. Instructions for filing a single FCC Form 555 online are available here.
The first submission of the FCC Form 555 is due to USAC by January 31, 2013. That submission will include the results of ETCs' certification of their subscriber bases as of June 1, 2012. ETCs must file a copy of their FCC Form 555 with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by filing the form in Docket 11-42. For information on how to file electronically via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, please refer to the FCC's website.
A bulk upload template, and bulk certification capabilities, will be available in the near future for companies that file the FCC Form 555 for multiple states.
The FCC Form 555, Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form, is now available for filing through USAC's online portal, E-File. ETCs must use the FCC Form 555 to report the results of their annual certification of consumers' continuing eligibility for Lifeline. Instructions for filing a single FCC Form 555 online are available here.
The first submission of the FCC Form 555 is due to USAC by January 31, 2013. That submission will include the results of ETCs' certification of their subscriber bases as of June 1, 2012. ETCs must file a copy of their FCC Form 555 with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by filing the form in Docket 11-42. For information on how to file electronically via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, please refer to the FCC's website.
A bulk upload template, and bulk certification capabilities, will be available in the near future for companies that file the FCC Form 555 for multiple states.
12/3/2012
– ETCs Must File a Copy of FCC Form 555 with the FCC
ETCs must file a copy of their FCC Form 555 with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by filing the form in Docket 11-42. For information on how to file electronically via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, please refer to the FCC's website.
ETCs must file a copy of their FCC Form 555 with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by filing the form in Docket 11-42. For information on how to file electronically via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, please refer to the FCC's website.
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.
11/12/2012
– Reference Area Page Now Available to Help ETCs Locate Important Forms, Updates, and Tools
USAC has created a Reference Area for ETCs to easily locate the most frequently searched for items relating to Lifeline. ETCs are encouraged to refer to this page for forms, reports, training tools, general program information, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
USAC has created a Reference Area for ETCs to easily locate the most frequently searched for items relating to Lifeline. ETCs are encouraged to refer to this page for forms, reports, training tools, general program information, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
11/7/2012
– Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form Approved by OMB
The FCC Form 555, Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form, has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Each ETC must use the FCC Form 555 to report the results of its annual certification/re-certification of consumer eligibility for Lifeline. The form and instructions are available on the Lifeline Forms page.
The first submission of the FCC Form 555 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. More information about the annual re-certification requirement is available under Step 8: Annual ETC Certification.
The FCC Form 555, Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form, has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Each ETC must use the FCC Form 555 to report the results of its annual certification/re-certification of consumer eligibility for Lifeline. The form and instructions are available on the Lifeline Forms page.
The first submission of the FCC Form 555 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. More information about the annual re-certification requirement is available under Step 8: Annual ETC Certification.
10/31/2012
– HCLI News Issued
The October 2012 HCLI News for the High Cost and Lifeline Programs is now available.
The October 2012 HCLI News for the High Cost and Lifeline Programs is now available.
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.
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.
