Schools and Libraries
About the Schools and Libraries Program:
- Overview of the Program
- Overview of the Process
- Outreach and Training
- HATS Outreach
- Filing Appeals
- Understanding Audits
Schools and Libraries Tools:
Step 1: Obtain a Service Provider Identification Number (Submit Form 498)
To participate in the Schools and Libraries Program, service providers must obtain a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) from USAC.
The Service Provider Identification Number and Contact Information Form (Form 498) is used to collect contact, remittance, and payment information for service providers that receive support from the federal Universal Service Fund programs - High Cost, Low Income, Rural Health Care, and Schools and Libraries - administered by USAC.
USAC will assign a Service Provider Identification Number to each company that registers by filing a Form 498. The SPIN is used by USAC as a means of identification and tracking records for the company. If any information that appears on the form has changed, the service provider must file an updated Form 498, and the service provider may do so online.
The Schools and Libraries contact information should identify the person who will receive correspondence and answer questions regarding the Schools and Libraries Program. This is also the contact information that will be available through the SPIN search function on the website. Applicants using the website can access this specific contact information by company name. The purpose of this function is to provide the applicants with a telephone number and a person's name, so the applicant can contact the service provider and get the information about where to send Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement Forms (BEARs), which SPIN to use, etc.
Some companies that register with USAC for a SPIN are telecommunications companies. These companies are also required to file a Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet (Form 499) and may be required to make contributions to the Universal Service Fund. Such companies are referred to as "contributors."
The Fund Administration section of USAC's website provides information on how to obtain a Service Provider Identification Number, Form 498 requirements, and how to revise a SPIN.
