Universal Service Administrative Company

What Universal Service Administrative Company does

Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the sole administrator of the Universal Service Fund (USF). USAC operates four statutory universal service programs: E-Rate (schools and libraries), Rural Health Care, Lifeline (low-income households), and High Cost (rural carrier funding), plus Congressionally-directed response programs (Affordable Connectivity Program, COVID-19 Telehealth Program, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program).

The technology platform is built around eligibility verification, subscriber management, and claims processing. Core systems include the National Verifier (centralized eligibility application system for Lifeline), the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) for subscriber lifecycle management, the Lifeline Claims System (LCS) for monthly reimbursement processing, the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC), the High Cost Universal Licensing System, the One Portal single-sign-on dashboard, E-File for FCC forms submission, and a public Open Data platform. Program operations are reinforced by audit and compliance programs (BCAP, SCAP, PQA) and Computer Matching Agreements with 20+ state agencies plus federal partners (HHS/CMS, HUD, VA, USDA).

USAC does not generate commercial revenue. It administers approximately $8.5 billion in annual USF disbursements under a consolidated administrative budget of $65.82 million (Q3 2026), funded through administrative cost assessments on contributing telecommunications carriers. It serves four distinct beneficiary segments — schools and libraries, rural healthcare providers, low-income households, and rural telecommunications carriers — alongside a fifth contributor segment of telecommunications service providers that fund the USF.

Name

Universal Service Administrative Company

Legal name

Universal Service Administrative Company

Website

https://usac.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

USAC is the FCC-designated, independent not-for-profit corporation that administers the four USF universal service programs — E-Rate, Rural Health Care, Lifeline, and High Cost — disbursing roughly $8.5 billion annually through its National Verifier, NLAD, and One Portal technology platforms to schools, libraries, rural healthcare providers, low-income households, and rural carriers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Federal Telecommunications Program Administration

NAICS

Regulation and Administration of Communications, Electric, Gas, and Other Utilities (926130)

akta.pro primary industry

Government & Public Sector Disbursements (Tax Refunds, Benefits) (FSAMAKAJ)

Keywords

• Universal service fund
• Schools libraries broadband
• Rural healthcare connectivity
• Low-income telecommunications
• High cost rural broadband

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

USAC administers the Universal Service Fund (USF) under FCC oversight, disbursing nearly $8.5 billion annually across four programs (E-Rate, Rural Health Care, Lifeline, and High Cost) to make telecommunications and broadband services affordable and accessible for schools, libraries, rural healthcare providers, low-income households, and rural carriers across the United States, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and other territories.

Product overview

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers the Universal Service Fund (USF) and related Congressional Response Programs under FCC oversight. The organization operates four core universal service programs (E-Rate, Rural Health Care, Lifeline, and High Cost) as a platform of interconnected programs and systems. These programs are supported by internal administrative systems including the National Verifier for eligibility determination, NLAD for subscriber management, the Lifeline Claims System for reimbursement processing, One Portal for single sign-on access, E-File for form submissions, and an Open Data platform for public transparency. USAC also administers Congressional Response Programs including the Affordable Connectivity Program, COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The organization's product portfolio represents a multi-program administration platform with shared infrastructure for eligibility verification, claims processing, compliance auditing, and public data disclosure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• E-Rate (Schools and Libraries Program) A universal service program that helps ensure schools and libraries across the U.S. obtain high-speed internet access and telecommunications at affordable rates by providing discounts of 20-90% on eligible equipment and services. For Category 2, libraries are eligible for up to $30,175 over a five-year cycle (FY2026-2030).
• Rural Health Care (RHC) Program Provides funding to eligible rural healthcare providers to reduce the cost of telehealth broadband and telecom services. Includes the Healthcare Connect Fund Program (65% discount on broadband connectivity) and Telecommunications Program (reduced rates based on urban rate comparisons).
• Lifeline Program A federal benefit that lowers the monthly cost of phone, internet, or bundled services for low-income households, providing up to $9.25 per month discount ($34.25 for consumers on qualifying Tribal lands). Eligibility is determined through income (at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines) or participation in qualifying federal assistance programs.
• High Cost Program Provides funding to telecommunications carriers to deliver service in rural areas that might otherwise go unserved. Includes mechanisms such as CAF Phase II, CAF Phase II Auction, ACAM, Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, Mobility Funds, and Legacy Funds. Carriers file FCC Form 481 annually and receive disbursements through USAC systems.
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) A federal program created by Congress to help people stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing broadband subsidies for eligible households through the Lifeline service provider framework.
• COVID-19 Telehealth Program Congressional Response Program created to support telehealth connectivity for healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP)

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly $8.5 billion in USF funds disbursed to support universal service in 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)coreTechnology or Integration · 13 April 2026Computer Matching Agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through HUD public housing data. Effective 4/13/26 through 10/13/27.
• Puerto Rico Department of the FamilycoreTechnology or Integration · 27 March 2026Computer Matching Agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Puerto Rico Department of the Family. Effective 3/27/26 through 9/27/27.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 27 March 2026Computer Matching Agreement for automated database verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through CMS Medicaid data. Effective 3/27/26 through 9/27/27.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Department of RevenuecoreTechnology or Integration · 27 March 2026Computer Matching Agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Wisconsin DHS/DOR databases. Effective 3/27/26 through 9/27/27.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 26 March 2026Computer Matching Agreement for automated database verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Michigan DHHS. Effective 3/26/26 through 9/26/27.
• Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Family ResourcescoreTechnology or Integration · 20 March 2026Computer Matching Agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Indiana database connections. Effective 3/20/26 through 9/20/27.
• Pennsylvania Department of Human ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 19 March 2026Computer Matching Agreement for automated database verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Pennsylvania DHS. Effective 3/19/26 through 9/19/27.
• South Carolina Department of Social ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 13 March 2026CMA renewal and new agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through South Carolina DSS. Effective 3/13/26 through 3/12/27.
• Virginia Department of Social ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 11 March 2026CMA renewal and new agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Virginia DSS. Effective 3/11/26 through 3/10/27.
• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Economic Services AdministrationcoreTechnology or Integration · 11 March 2026CMA renewal and new agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Washington DSHS ESA. Effective 3/11/26 through 3/10/27.
• Florida Department of Children and Families, Office of Economic Self-SufficiencycoreTechnology or Integration · 16 November 2025Computer Matching Agreement for automated database verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility. Agreement effective 11/16/26 through 7/16/27.
• Georgia Department of Human Services, Department of Children and Family ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 8 November 2025CMA renewal and reestablishment for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Georgia DHS/DCFS databases. Effective 11/8/25 through 11/7/26.
• Arizona Department of Economic SecuritycoreTechnology or Integration · 2 November 2025Computer Matching Agreement (CMA) between Arizona DES and USAC/FCC to verify Lifeline and ACP eligibility based on consumer participation in qualifying state assistance programs. Agreement effective 11/2/25 through 11/1/26.
• Connecticut Department of Social ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 2 November 2025Renewal and new CMA for automated eligibility verification for Lifeline and ACP through Connecticut DSS database connections. Effective 11/2/25 through 11/1/26.
• Iowa Department of Human ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 22 September 2025CMA renewal and new agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Iowa DHS databases. Effective 9/22/25 through 9/21/26.
• Minnesota Department of Human ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 10 July 2025Computer Matching Agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Minnesota DHS databases. Effective 7/10/25 through 1/10/27.
• Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Family SupportcoreTechnology or Integration · 4 July 2025CMA renewal and new agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Kentucky CHFS databases. Effective 7/4/25 through 7/3/26.
• New Mexico Human Services DepartmentcoreTechnology or Integration · 4 July 2025CMA renewal and new agreement for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through New Mexico HSD. Effective 7/4/25 through 7/3/26.
• Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 11 April 2025CMA renewal for automated verification of Lifeline eligibility through Nevada DHHS DWSS databases. Effective 4/11/25 through 10/11/26.
• U.S. Department of Veterans AffairscoreTechnology or Integration · 11 April 2025CMA renewal for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through VA Veterans Pension Benefit data. Effective 4/11/25 through 10/11/26.
• Mississippi Department of Human ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 27 March 2025CMA reestablishment for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Mississippi DHS. Effective 3/27/25 through 9/27/26.
• Missouri Department of Social ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 27 March 2025CMA reestablishment for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Missouri DSS. Effective 3/27/25 through 9/27/26.
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 27 March 2025CMA reestablishment for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through North Carolina DHHS. Effective 3/27/25 through 9/27/26.
• Tennessee Department of Human ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 27 March 2025CMA reestablishment for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Tennessee DHS. Effective 3/27/25 through 9/27/26.
• Utah Department of Workforce ServicescoreTechnology or Integration · 27 March 2025CMA reestablishment for automated verification of Lifeline and ACP eligibility through Utah DWS databases. Effective 3/27/25 through 9/27/26.
• Colorado Governor's Office of Information TechnologycoreTechnology or Integration · 12 February 2025Computer Matching Agreement for automated database connections to verify Lifeline and ACP consumer eligibility. Agreement effective 2/12/25 through 8/12/26.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)coreTechnology or Integration · 9 June 2022USDA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USAC as required by Section 60502(e) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to establish database connections for the Affordable Connectivity Program and share National Verifier data for eligibility verification purposes.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• CGI Federal: CGI Federal is a major IT services provider to US federal agencies, building and operating large-scale systems for benefit administration and eligibility verification. It represents the technology vendor ecosystem that supports program administrators like USAC and serves similar federal telecommunications clients.
• Booz Allen Hamilton: Booz Allen Hamilton provides management and technology consulting to federal agencies, including telecommunications policy clients like the FCC. While not directly administering benefit programs, Booz Allen supports similar federal clients in telecommunications and digital equity initiatives adjacent to USAC's mandate.

Broad incumbents

• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC): PBGC is an independent federal corporation that administers a federally-mandated insurance program protecting retirement benefits, structurally parallel to USAC as a not-for-profit federal corporation executing a congressionally-mandated program. Both operate under federal oversight with restricted scope tied to statutory authority.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): CMS administers Medicare and Medicaid federal benefit programs at massive scale, comparable in scope and beneficiary focus to USAC's administration of USF programs. USAC's Lifeline program even verifies eligibility through CMS Medicaid databases, making CMS both a functional peer and a data integration partner.
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): CPB is a private not-for-profit corporation that administers federal funding for public broadcasting (PBS/NPR), structurally and functionally analogous to USAC's role administering federal subsidies for universal service. Both organizations are independent not-for-profits channeling federal funds to program beneficiaries under congressional authorization.
• Federal Home Loan Banks: The Federal Home Loan Bank system is a government-sponsored enterprise that provides liquidity and funding to member institutions, structurally similar to USAC as an independent federally-related entity that administers mandated funding programs. Both operate as quasi-governmental institutions with policy-mandated missions and self-sustaining operations.

Direct peers

• National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): NTIA is the executive branch agency that administers federal broadband expansion programs (BEAD, Tribal Broadband Connectivity), directly comparable to USAC's administration of E-Rate, Rural Health Care, and High Cost programs. Both are federal entities focused on broadband access and digital equity.
• USDA Rural Utilities Service: USDA Rural Utilities Service administers the ReConnect Program and other rural broadband/utility funding programs, directly comparable to USAC's High Cost program which supports rural broadband deployment. Both organizations channel federal subsidies to expand telecommunications infrastructure in underserved rural areas.
• MAXIMUS: MAXIMUS is a leading government services contractor that administers large-scale federal and state benefit programs on behalf of agencies, similar to how USAC administers USF programs (Lifeline, E-Rate, RHC, High Cost). Both organizations serve as program administrators between federal mandates and end beneficiaries, with comparable operational scope.
• Conduent: Conduent provides business process services and solutions, including government healthcare and benefit program administration, eligibility verification, and constituent engagement. Its government services portfolio directly parallels USAC's role administering universal service programs with similar eligibility, claims processing, and disbursement functions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/usacoutreach
• Facebookfacebook.com/153024771380766
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/usac

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Universal Service Administrative Company