Glossary of Terms

A category of telecommunications carrier participating in the High Cost program. Typically small rural providers, rate of return carriers set prices based on embedded costs that incorporate a return on equity.

A letter sent to E-Rate applicants and service providers indicating that a filed FCC Form 471 has been certified. The RAL provides means to correct any mistakes before the FCC Form 471 undergoes PIA review. Visit the E-Rate program’s FCC Form 471 Filing page for additional information.

A letter sent to impacted parties seeking to recover disbursed funds. A RIDF letter is issued when the original approved commitment is correct, but funds were disbursed in error. If no action is taken, demand payment letters will follow providing an opportunity to return the funds. Visit the E-Rate program’s Commitment Adjustment page for additional information.

A requirement that the FCC withhold action on a universal service support application, payment, and/or other requests for benefits when the universal service program participant is delinquent in non-tax debts owed to the FCC or other federal agencies. This rule requires that USAC suspend support to any entity that shares a Tax Identification Number with a company that has a delinquent debt. See also Red Light Status.

The status of an entity deemed to have violated the Red Light Rule. USAC will not make any disbursements until the entity’s delinquency is satisfied, payment arrangements are made, or the Red Light Status is otherwise resolved. See also Red Light Rule.

Action taken by the FCC to return applications to USAC for further review.

A registration system that validates the identities of Lifeline service provider representatives performing transactions in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and National Verifier. To create an account in RAD, visit USAC’s How to Register page.

A notification USAC sends to an RHC applicant if their response to a USAC Information Request is insufficient or incomplete. Through the Request for Additional Information, USAC seeks further clarification or documentation. See also Information Request.

A formal bidding document describing a project and/or requested services in sufficient detail so that potential bidders understand the scope, location, and any other requirements. In the E-Rate and RHC programs, applicants are required to submit an RFP with their universal service support applications under certain conditions. Visit the E-Rate program’s Competitive Bidding page for additional detail.

A letter USAC issues to E-Rate applicants and service providers when changes to a funding commitment occur, such as the result of an appeal.

The web-based system that hosts RHC forms in the RHC program. Post-commitment change requests (e.g., SPIN changes) also take place in RHC Connect. All RHC activities will eventually migrate to RHC Connect, at which time the legacy web-based system My Portal will be phased out.

One of the four universal service programs administered by USAC. RHC includes two programs: the Telecommunications (Telecom) Program and the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program. These programs provide reduced rates for telecommunications services and broadband services to eligible health care providers (HCPs).

The rate charged by a telecommunications carrier for services in the rural area where an HCP is located. The rural rate, used to calculate RHC program support, is established using one of three methods. For an overview of those methods and the rate-calculation process for FY2026, browse RHC’s Urban and Rural Rates Tip Sheet.