Telecommunications Program

The Telecommunications (Telecom) Program provides reduced rates to rural health care providers (HCPs) for telecommunications and voice services for the use of telemedicine and telehealth. Eligible services are discounted at the difference in cost between urban and rural areas in your state.

How to Get Funding

There are six steps to receive funding.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Find out if your entity is eligible to receive Telecom Program funding by completing FCC Form 465 (Description of Services Requested and Certification Form).

Step 2: Develop Evaluation Criteria and Request Services

Identify the services you need and develop the evaluation criteria that you will use to assess service provider bids by completing the FCC Form 465.

Step 3: Evaluate Bids and Select a Service Provider

Choose the most cost-effective service provider from the bids you received.

Step 4: Submit Your Funding Request

Provide USAC with information about the services and service provider you selected and how much funding you are requesting by completing the FCC Form 466 (Funding Request and Certification Form).

Step 5: Review FCL and Certify Connection

Certify that your services started by completing the FCC Form 467 (Connection Certification Form).

Step 6: Invoice

Your service provider will complete the invoicing process.

 

All forms can be accessed by logging in to My Portal, the RHC program’s online application management system.

 

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.