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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health Information Hub

 

Rural Health Care Telecommunications (Telecom) Program

 

Applications are not being accepted at this time. See the application process section below for additional information on the next filing window.

Link
View Program Website
Sponsors
Federal Communications Commission, Universal Service Administrative Company
Deadlines
Apr 1, 2023
Contact

rhc-assist@usac.org
800.453.1546
Online contact form

Purpose

The Telecommunications (Telecom) Program is a component program of the FCC's Rural Health Care Program. It provides funding to eligible healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to telecommunications services necessary for the provision of healthcare.

Examples of eligible telecommunications services

Eligibility

A healthcare provider must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  1. Must fall under one of the healthcare provider categories listed below:
    • Post-secondary educational institutions offering healthcare instruction, including teaching hospitals and medical schools
    • Community health centers and health centers providing healthcare to migrants
    • Local health departments and agencies
    • Community mental health centers
    • Nonprofit hospitals
    • Rural health clinics, including mobile clinics and dedicated emergency departments in rural for-profit hospitals
    • Skilled nursing facilities
  2. Must be a public or nonprofit entity
  3. Must be located in a rural area
Geographic coverage
Nationwide
Amount of funding

The Telecom Program subsidizes the difference between urban and rural rates for eligible telecommunications services.

Application process

The filing window opened December 1, 2021 and closed on June 1, 2022. Watch the upcoming dates page for deadlines. Typically, the filing window opens in December and closes the following April.

To apply, follow the step-by-step process below. Visit the program website for additional details.

  1. Determine eligibility using FCC Form 465
  2. Request services through the competitive bidding process by completing FCC Form 465 and posting it to USAC's website for a minimum of 28 days.
  3. Evaluate bids received and select the most cost-effective service provider.
  4. Submit funding request by filing the FCC Form 466 through the online application system (My Portal) by the deadline.
  5. Review the funding commitment letter from USAC and certify connection by submitting FCC Form 467.
  6. The service provider will complete the invoicing process.

To learn more about the program, visit the Rural Health Care assistance page.

FY2023 Kickoff Webinar
(Registration required)
July 13, 2022
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Tagged as
Broadband · Health information technology · Healthcare facilities · Telehealth

Related Content

Upcoming Events (4)

  • FY2023 RHC Program Kickoff, Jul 13, 2022, view details
  • Rural Health Care Program FY 2023 Invoicing Best Practices Webinar, Aug 3, 2022, view details
  • HCF Program FY2023 Request for Services Webinar, Aug 9, 2022, view details
  • Telecom Program FY2023 Request for Services Webinar, Aug 17, 2022, view details

Resources (1)

Organizations (2)



For complete information about funding programs, including your application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes or monitor application status.