USAC

We participate in two of the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) programs. Schools, libraries, and healthcare users can access federal funding that subsidizes the costs of eligible telecom services.  A few highlights related to the programs are listed below.

ICN's USAC Highlights

2001

ICN began participation in the Universal Service Fund program.

$130 M

Over the years, ICN has saved Iowa's schools, libraries, hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers in telecom services

Bidding

How are discounts received? Competitive bidding and award is based upon best value (primarily cost).

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About E-Rate

E-Rate is the Schools and Libraries Program. It is also known as the  Universal Service Fund (USF) for Schools and Libraries. 

E-Rate is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 

This program offers discounts on telecommunication services, Internet access and internal connections for all public and private schools and libraries. Each year eligible Public, Private and Charter schools and libraries can receive federal discounts or subsidies to obtain affordable: 

  • telecommunications, 
  • Internet access,
  • internal connections. 

The discounts are based on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and range from 20-85%.

E-Rate Training

The Iowa Department of Education's website provides a variety of E-Rate training courses.

The State Library of Iowa website provides E-Rate training for Iowa libraries.

 

ICN’s E-Rate Involvement

Eligible E-Rate Services by Category
Category 1 Services Offered by ICNCategory 2 Services Offered by ICN
  • Ethernet / Data Circuits
  • Managed Internal Broadband Services
    • Router
  • Internet Access Service
 
  • Leased Lit Fiber
 

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking FCC 19-121

ICN certifies that we do not utilize equipment that has been barred by the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking FCC 19-121.

E-Rate Savings for Fiscal Year 2023

158

USAC provided funds for discounts to ICN schools and library customers.

$3.7 M

Savings on data services from the ICN.

  • E-Rate 
    • supports connectivity - the conduit or pipeline for communications using telecommunications services and/or the Internet. 
    • Funding is requested under five categories of service: 
      • telecommunications service, 
      • Internet access, 
      • internal connections, 
      • basic maintenance of internal connections, 
      • miscellaneous. 
    • Discounts for support depend on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served, and ranges from 20 percent to 90 percent of the costs of eligible services. 
    • Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium.
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About Rural Health Care

Rural Health Care is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the FCC. This program supports healthcare facilities in bringing world class medical care to rural areas through increased connectivity

Rural Health Care Savings for Fiscal Year 2023

216

USAC provided funds for discounts to hospital and healthcare providers receiving ICN services.

$1.2 M

Saving on ICN data services thru the Healthcare Connect Fund program.

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