Glossary of Terms

A charge on customer bills that carriers use to recover part of the revenue lost to FCC-mandated reductions to switched access rates with reform of the intercarrier compensation system (the regulated payments among carriers to compensate each other for the origination, transport and termination of telecommunications traffic). More information is available on USAC’s ICC Recovery page.

An EPC user who can manage users, permissions, and related entities for an organization such as a school, library, service provider, or consulting firm.

The High Cost support paid to a carrier that acquires a telephone exchange eligible for funding from an unaffiliated carrier. Per-line support levels remain the same following the transfer of ownership.

The relevant authority with responsibility for administration of the eligible school or library who must certify the status of the entity’s compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in order to receive universal service support.

See Appeal Decision Letter.

An FCC program that made internet connectivity more affordable for eligible low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $14 billion program provided households with a monthly internet service discount and a one-time discount on internet-connected devices. The ACP, which supplanted the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) in 2021, ended in June 2024 due to a lack of additional funding by Congress.

The earliest date on which an E-Rate applicant can sign a contract for contracted services or enter into an arrangement for tariffed or month-to-month services with a service provider. It is calculated as at least 28 days or four weeks after the FCC Form 470 is certified.

The earliest date on which an RHC applicant may enter into a service agreement with a service provider. This date must fall at least 28 calendar days after the applicant posts the FCC Form 461 or 465 to USAC’s website.

An alternative method for schools that choose not to use NSLP participation numbers to calculate their E-Rate program discounts. Federally approved alternative discount mechanisms cannot be less stringent than the same measure of poverty established for the NSLP. See also National School Lunch Program.

A reconciliation between a service provider’s actual end-user revenue (as reported annually by April 1 on the FCC Form 499-A) and earlier projections from the provider’s FCC Forms 499-Q. USAC conducts the annual true-up each July.

A request to reconsider a USAC decision. Any party that wishes to appeal must first do so with USAC before filing an appeal with the FCC. Once USAC has made a decision on an appeal, the party may appeal USAC’s decision to the FCC. Parties seeking a waiver of FCC rules should file an appeal directly with the FCC because USAC cannot waive FCC rules. For more information, visit USAC’s Appeals page.

A formal letter USAC sends to an appellant explaining its appeal decision. If USAC makes a new decision to deny funding following an appeal, the appellant will have 60 days from the date of the decision letter to file an appeal with the FCC. For more information on filing FCC appeals, visit USAC’s Appeals page.

The appeal and supporting documents submitted to USAC by the appellant.

A summary of the facts, logic and recommended decision about an appeal written by an Initial Reviewer at USAC. See also Initial Reviewer.

The individual or entity filing an appeal of a USAC decision. To see where to send an appeal, visit USAC’s Appeals page.

The entity applying for universal service support. In the RHC and E-Rate programs, an applicant may be an individual organization or a consortium composed of multiple organizations.