Submit a Whistleblower Alert

Assuring effective stewardship of the federal universal service programs by guarding against misuse or waste is a priority shared by USAC, the FCC, and Congress, as well as program applicants, service providers, and the general public. To that end, this page allows applicants, service providers, contributors, and others to alert USAC to instances when universal service support is possibly being misapplied or program rule violations might exist.

If you are aware of waste, fraud, or abuse of universal service support, USAC encourages you to report it. USAC treats each report of waste, fraud, or abuse as a serious and urgent matter requiring immediate attention.

If you would like to report an instance of waste, fraud, or abuse, please follow the procedures outlined below. USAC has other means for submitting a question or complaint.

What to Report?

Instances of universal service support being misapplied, mismanaged, or violations of law, rules, or regulations by program participants or service providers.

Your Rights

All reports are considered confidential. Laws protect you from reprisals (i.e., any action taken against you because you filed this report).

How to Submit an Alert

If you believe there is a misuse of funds or a violation of rules:

1. Contact USAC (see below)
   • If calling, tell the operator you want to report a “whistleblower alert” concerning universal service waste, fraud, or abuse. You will be connected to specially trained staff who will record your report.
   • If submitting via email or via U.S. mail, please reference “whistleblower alert” and the name of the program in your report. USAC staff will respond to your submission.
2. The USAC staff person who contacts you will ask a series of questions to obtain as much information about the situation as possible.
   • You may choose to remain anonymous. If you opt to identify yourself so USAC can contact you for additional information, we will make every effort to maintain confidentiality as the investigation proceeds. If appropriate or required by law, USAC will turn over information related to whistleblower alerts and results of our investigation to the FCC or law enforcement.
3. After your report is received, it will be investigated. Because the report and investigation are confidential, USAC is not at liberty to provide the status or outcome of the investigation.

Submit an Alert

Whistleblower Alert Form

Additional Contact Options

Program	Email	Phone	By U.S. Mail
Rural Health Care, Lifeline*, Connect America, or Service Providers	potentialviolation@usac.org	(888) 641-8722	Universal Service Administrative Co. 700 12th Street, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20005
E-Rate**	hotline@usac.org	(888) 203-8100	Universal Service Administrative Co. 700 12th Street, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20005

*Note: If you have information about a household receiving more than one Lifeline program discounted service, please contact us at Lifelinesupport@usac.org or (800) 234-9473.

**Note: You can also log in to the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) to submit your alert. Go to the Actions tab and select Create a Whistleblower Case.