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The HCF Program provides a 65 percent discount on eligible broadband connectivity expenses for eligible rural health care providers (HCPs). Read our list of common products and services for examples of possible eligible expenses. Eligible sites meet the following criteria:

• Must be a public or nonprofit entity
• Must be one of the following types of facilities:
  • A post-secondary educational institution offering healthcare instruction, such as teaching hospitals or medical schools
  • A community health center or health center providing healthcare to migrants
  • A local health department or agency
  • A community mental health center
  • A not-for-profit hospital
  • A rural health clinic
  • A dedicated emergency room of a rural for-profit hospital
  • A skilled nursing facility (SNF)
  • A consortium of HCPs that includes at least one of the facilities mentioned above
• Must be in a rural location as defined by the FCC. If your site is not located in a rural area, it still may be eligible to apply to the HCF Program as part of a consortium that has a majority of rural sites. You can determine the rurality of your site using the Rurality Tier Search Tool.

The Telecom Program provides reduced rates on eligible telecommunications services for eligible rural HCPs. Eligible services are discounted at the difference in cost between urban and rural services available in areas within the HCP’s state. Read our list of common services for examples of possible eligible expenses. Eligible sites meet the following criteria:

• Must be a non-profit entity or a public entity
• Must be located in a rural area as defined by the FCC. You can determine the rurality of your site using the Rurality Tier Search Tool
• Must be one of the following types of facilities:
  • A post-secondary educational institution offering health care instruction, such as a teaching hospital or medical school
  • A community health center or health center providing health care to migrants
  • A local health department or agency
  • A community mental health center
  • A not-for-profit hospital
  • A rural health clinic
  • A dedicated emergency departments of a rural for-profit hospitals
  • A part-time eligible entity located in a facility that is ineligible
  • A skilled nursing facility (SNF)

If you are new to the HCF Program, your first step is to register for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) using the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES).

Once you obtain an FRN, you must file the FCC Form 460 (Eligibility and Registration Form). You can submit the FCC Form 460 via My Portal at any time.

HCPs can participate individually, or join a consortium, whereby a group of two or more HCPs can request support through a single application. You can find consortia in your area through Open Data.

It is possible to participate in both the HCF Program and the Telecom Program provided an HCP does not request duplicate funding for the same services in both programs. USAC recommends that you submit the FCC Form 460 first to establish your HCF eligibility, and have an HCP number assigned to your site before requesting services with the FCC Form 465 in the Telecom Program.

If you are new to the Telecom Program, your first step is to register for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) using the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES).

Once you obtain an FRN, you must file the FCC Form 465 (Description of Services Requested and Certification Form). You can submit the FCC Form 465 via My Portal at any time, but must do so at least 28 days before signing a contract for services.

It is possible to participate in both the HCF Program and the Telecom Program provided an HCP does not request duplicate funding for the same services in both programs. USAC recommends that you submit the FCC Form 460 first to establish your eligibility and have an HCP number assigned to your site before requesting services with the FCC Form 465 in the Telecom Program.

If you are a service provider delivering eligible services under the RHC program, your first step is to request an FCC Registration Number (FRN) using the  ). Next, obtain a 498 ID/SPIN by completing an FCC Form 498 (Service Provider and Billed Entity Identification Number and General Contact Information Form). Once both steps are complete, you can review the posted FCC Forms 461 and 465. For more information about first steps for service providers, visit the Service Providers Get Started page.