Glossary of Terms

A process that allows universal service support applicants to certify and submit forms online, eliminating the need for paper copies of forms (and original signatures) and facilitating simpler record-keeping.

USAC’s online forms submission tool. Allows universal service support applicants, contributors, and service providers to register with USAC, submit forms, view invoices, add or remove authorized users, update account information, and more. Accessible at https://forms.universalservice.org/.

The account and application management portal for the E-Rate program. E-Rate program participants use this tool to manage program processes, receive notifications, create and submit invoices, and contact customer service.

One of the four universal service programs administered by USAC. Formally known as the Schools and Libraries Program, the program provides discounts to schools and libraries for eligible equipment and services.

A regional public multiservice agency authorized by state statute to develop, manage, and provide services or programs to local educational agencies.

An entity that meets the requirements for eligibility to participate in the E-Rate program.

An HCP that meets the requirements for eligibility to participate in the RHC program. Visit USAC’s Determine the Eligibility of Your Site page for more information.

Equipment and services that are eligible for universal service support. In the E-Rate program, eligible services include data transmission services and/or internet access, internal connections, the maintenance of internal connections, and managed internal broadband services. In the High Cost program, eligible services include the costs of deploying rural voice service (legacy funds) or rural broadband service (modernized funds). In the RHC program, eligible services include broadband connectivity and telecommunications services.

An FCC-released annual list of the equipment and services eligible for reimbursement through E-Rate. Visit the program’s Eligible Services List page to see current- and past-year ESLs.

A designation given to telecommunications service providers by their state public utility commissions or the FCC, enabling them to participate in universal service programs.

An NLAD user account type that is responsible for creating and managing subaccounts (these do not include the 497 Officer) for all users within their company. The ETC Administrator can perform subscriber transactions, query subscriber data, and view reports in NLAD. This account type also has access to the National Verifier to check consumer eligibility.

A National Verifier user account type that can check consumer eligibility but does not have NLAD access.

An NLAD user account type that can perform subscriber transactions, query subscriber data, and view reports in NLAD. This account type also has access to the National Verifier to check consumer eligibility.

An NLAD user account type that can query subscriber data, submit resolution requests, and create and view reports. This account type also has access to the National Verifier to check consumer eligibility.

A 2021 FCC program that provided eligible low-income households with a monthly internet service discount and a one-time connected-device discount. The $3.2 billion program, which aimed to help Americans stay connected to work, learning, and healthcare opportunities in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, was replaced by the larger Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

An FCC initiative that helped eligible schools and libraries cover the costs of internet equipment and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduced in 2021, the $7.171 billion program offered financial support for the purchase of laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections to serve unmet needs for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons. The ECF’s sunset date was June 30, 2024.

A percentage value provided in the FCC Form 499-A and FCC Form 499-Q instructions that help companies calculate possible future thresholds of contribution requirements and determine whether they are likely to be eligible for a de minimis exception.

A mechanism for assessing and choosing a service provider from incoming bids. Note that the price of the eligible products and services must be included as a factor in the evaluation and that factor must be weighted more heavily than any other single factor.