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 RHC program.

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 (FCC FRN) to complete the FCC Form 498. To get a new FCC FRN, 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 their UEI, a DUNS Number, and at least one FCC FRN, 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, 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.

As you fill out the FCC Form 498, keep the following in mind:

• The General Contact you list in Block 2 will receive all correspondence about RHC program forms. Please review the form instructions carefully and complete all applicable fields.
• For RHC program purposes, be sure to complete Blocks 10, 11, and 18.
• Service providers that plan to participate in the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program must check the box in Block 18, “Certification to Assist Health Care Providers,” to certify their agreement. USAC will not pay service providers participating in the HCF Program if this box is not checked.
• Service providers may elect to either treat the amount eligible for support as an offset against their Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution obligation, or to receive direct reimbursement from USAC. Service providers will automatically receive reimbursement as an offset against their USF contribution obligation unless they elect to receive direct reimbursement by unchecking Box 95 in Block 17.

Verify Your Banking and Tax Information in E-File

An important part of the FCC Form 498 is providing your entity’s banking information: routing number, bank account number, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID. You’ll have to upload banking verification documents with every 498 ID/SPIN registration.

Certify FCC Form 498

The person named on your FCC Form 498 as your Company Officer 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, at which time they 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 Step

Service providers that have not yet completed an FCC Form 498 or FCC Form 499 can still submit bids, but USAC is unable to make funding commitments without a completed FCC Form 498, and if necessary, an FCC Form 499.

The material on these webpages is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting the RHC program rules, orders, and other primary sources of information. Applicants and service providers are ultimately responsible for knowing and complying with all RHC program rules and procedures.