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