Step 1 Obtain a Spin

A Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned to your company by USAC. You may want more than one SPIN if you have business units separated by state, type of service, or for other reasons, but you need at least one SPIN to participate in the Schools and Libraries Program.

FCC Form 498

To apply for a SPIN you must complete an FCC Form 498 (Service Provider Identification Number and Contact Information Form) and submit it to USAC. This form collects contact, remittance, and payment information for service providers in all four programs administered by USAC.

After you complete this form, USAC will set up a user name and password for you to access the E-File system, a portal that allows you to update your FCC Form 498 online, set up permissions for other users in your company to access functions on the E-File system, and view or approve certain applicant-filed forms and form attachments.

Applicants can view some of the contact information on the FCC Form 498 using the SPIN Search tool on the USAC website, so it is also helpful to applicants to keep your information current in case an applicant needs to contact you.

FCC Forms 499-A/Q

If you provide telecommunications services and/or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, you must also complete the FCC Forms 499-A/Q (Annual and Quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheets) and receive a Filer ID. The FCC Forms 499-A/Q Filer ID will be tied to your SPIN. Certain service providers are not required to file or complete all items on an FCC Forms 499-A/Q, either because the company has a de minimis status or meets one of the exceptions noted in the Filing Requirements and General Instructions section of the instructions on the Contributors Forms page.

You can refer to the Service Providers or Contributors sections of the USAC website for more detailed information on these forms and instructions.

Next Step

Once you have a SPIN, and, if necessary, an FCC Filer ID, you will be ready to submit bid responses to applicants that have opened competitive bid processes under the E-rate Program.

Note that service providers that do not yet have a SPIN or FCC Filer ID can still submit bids and be chosen by applicants to provide services. However, USAC will not be able to complete the review of an applicant’s request for support and make a funding commitment without a SPIN.