The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public input on possible changes to the operations and oversight of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers E-rate and other Universal Service Fund (USF) programs. The request was announced in a Public Notice released April 15, 2026.
The FCC says the review will focus on improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability at USAC. Topics include application reviews, audits, fund recovery processes, internal management, and how the FCC oversees USAC’s work.
The agency is also asking whether current USAC processes cause delays or create unnecessary burdens for applicants and service providers, and whether clearer timelines or rule changes could improve how decisions are made.
What This Means for E-rate Applicants
- No immediate rule changes, but feedback may lead to future process updates.
- FCC is reviewing whether application reviews and appeals take too long.
- Audit and fund recovery procedures are under scrutiny.
- Schools and libraries have an opportunity to submit comments describing challenges with USAC.
Comments are due May 15, 2026, and must be filed through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).
The Full FCCs Public Notice can be viewed here.
