About USAC

About USAC

The Universal Service Administrative Company is dedicated to achieving universal service. This important principle suggests that everyone in the U.S. deserves accessible, affordable, and pervasive high-speed connectivity.

Despite pervasive connectivity in most urban areas in the United States, millions of people across the country have no access to broadband services needed to work, learn, heal, and communicate. The funds we administer exist to fill these gaps in access. As an independent not-for-profit designated by the FCC, USAC administers the Universal Service Fund, almost $10 billion available annually to the companies and institutions that make universal service possible.

Universal Service Programs

With the guidance of policy created by the FCC, we collect and deliver funding through four programs focused on places where broadband and connectivity needs are critical. These programs serve people in rural, underserved, and difficult-to-reach areas.

Schools and Libraries

• The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program provides discounts to keep students and library patrons connected to broadband and voice services.

Rural Health Care

• The Rural Health Care Program supports health care facilities in bringing world class medical care to rural areas through increased broadband capabilities.

Lifeline

• The Lifeline Program helps households obtain the voice and broadband connectivity services they need to participate and function in today's digital world.

High Cost

• The High Cost Program provides funding to companies working to expand connectivity infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas.