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File an Appeal

File an Appeal

Any aggrieved party that wishes to appeal a USAC decision must first file an appeal with USAC to seek review before filing an appeal with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Once USAC has made a decision on an appeal, the party may appeal USAC’s decision to the FCC.

Parties seeking a waiver of FCC rules (e.g., waiver of form deadlines) should file an appeal directly with the FCC because USAC cannot waive FCC rules.

Deadline for Filing an Appeal

You must file your Emergency Connectivity Fund Program appeal within 30 days of the date USAC issued the decision. For example, you must appeal a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) within 30 days of the date of the letter. See 47 C.F.R.  § 54.1718 for the FCC’s rules on filing an Emergency Connectivity Fund Program appeal. Please note that this is shorter than the appeal filing deadline in the E-rate program.

Note: If that day falls on a weekend or on a Federal Holiday, the appeal is also considered on time if you file it (or it is postmarked) by the first business day following that weekend or holiday.

What to Include in an Appeal

The following information must be included in your letter of appeal:

  • Applicant or service provider who is filing the appeal (e.g., entity number, service provider’s 498 ID (SPIN), if applicable)
  • Contact information including name, address, telephone number, and email address of the person who can discuss the appeal with USAC in detail
  • Documentation of USAC’s decision (e.g., copy of USAC’s decision letter being appealed)
  • A precise explanation of the relief sought through the appeal
  • Supporting documentation such as forms and previous correspondence (optional)

If you fail to submit the information to USAC within the time prescribed, it may result in the denial of your appeal.

All appellants will receive acknowledgment of the appeal upon receipt. USAC will review all complete appeals and respond with its decision in writing. For further Emergency Connectivity Fund Program guidelines, see the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program appeals guidelines.