Step 1: Obtain a 498 ID/SPIN
A Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN), also known as a 498 ID, is a unique nine-digit number assigned to service providers by USAC when an FCC Form 498 is filed. Service providers need at least one 498 ID/SPIN to participate in the E-Rate program. You may want more than one 498 ID/SPIN if you have business units separated by state, type of service, or for other reasons.
To obtain a SPIN/498 ID, service providers must complete an FCC Form 498 (Service Provider and Billed Entity Identification Number and General Contact Information Form) and submit it to USAC. This form collects contact, remittance, and payment information for service providers in all universal service programs administered by USAC.
Follow these steps to obtain a 498 ID/SPIN:
Register for a UEI on SAM.gov
Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) by registering on SAM.gov. Read USAC’s bulletin to learn how to obtain a UEI.
Get a DUNS Number
In addition to a UEI, the FCC Form 498 requires a DUNS Number. This free-to-obtain nine-digit identifier is issued by the information services company Dun & Bradstreet.
To obtain a new DUNS Number or find an existing DUNS Number, visit Dun & Bradstreet’s website.
Receive an FCC Registration Number from the FCC
Service providers also need an FCC Registration Number (FCCRN) to complete the FCC Form 498. To get a new FCCRN, you must log in to the FCC’s CORES website.
Log In to E-File to Access the FCC Form 498
Once a service provider has received a UEI, a DUNS Number, and at least one FCCRN, they must navigate to USAC’s E-File system to complete the FCC Form 498.
E-File allows you to fill out a new FCC Form 498, update an existing FCC Form 498, set up user permissions for others to access the system, and view or approve certain applicant-filed forms and form attachments.
To fill out a new FCC Form 498 in E-File, navigate to the E-File login page, scroll down to the bottom, and click “Continue.” From there, scroll down and click “Create an Account.” Next, click “Service Provider – 498 ID.” Finally, click “Register Your Company” and follow the instructions.
Note: Service providers who also participate in the Rural Health Care, High Cost, and Lifeline programs also use the FCC Form 498. There are separate sections to complete on the FCC Form 498 for each program.
Verify Your Banking and Tax Information in E-File
An important part of the FCC Form 498 is providing your entity’s banking and tax information, including the routing number, bank account number, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID. You will have to upload banking verification documents with every 498 ID/SPIN registration.
Certify FCC Form 498
The person named as the Company Officer on your FCC Form 498 must certify the form once it has been completed.
The Company Officer will receive an email from USAC following the completion of an FCC Form 498 and will have 14 days to certify the form. Upon certification, USAC will be notified to review the submission.
Get Your 498 ID/SPIN
Upon USAC’s approval of the FCC Form 498, USAC will assign a 498 ID/SPIN to your entity and email your Company Officer to provide an E-File username and a temporary password.
Next Steps
Once you have a 498 ID/SPIN, you will be ready to respond to applicant bid requests.
Service providers that have not yet completed an FCC Form 498 can still submit bids, but USAC is unable to make funding commitments without a completed FCC Form 498.