Eligible Service Providers

All Eligible Telecommunications Providers (ETPs), which includes Interexchange carriers (IXCs), Local Exchange Carriers (LECs), Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) and all other Common Carriers, may receive support for providing discounted telecommunications service to eligible rural health care providers. (The FCC's Fourteenth Order on Reconsideration (CC Docket No. 96-45, FCC 99-256), eliminated the requirement that only Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) could participate in this program.) In addition, all service providers with a Service Provider Information Number (SPIN, see below) may receive support for providing discounted Internet access. If you have questions concerning the eligibility of a particular service provider, please call USAC's toll-free Client Service Bureau at 1-888-641-8722.

Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN)

All service providers that wish to participate in the Rural Health Care Program must have a SPIN. The SPIN is a unique number assigned to each service provider by USAC. The SPIN serves as USAC's tool to ensure that RHCD funds are directed to the correct service provider. Once USAC establishes the SPIN, the service provider’s name, contact information, and SPIN are forwarded to RHCD to confirm eligibility.

For more information about obtaining a SPIN, call USAC's toll-free Client Service Bureau at 1-888-641-8722.