Welcome!


 

On this page of the MiCTA Web Site both Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) and Health Care Connect Fund (HCF) eligible members will be provided current information on the two MiCTA National programs via links listed below.  MiCTA has supported its Universal Service Fund (USF) E-Rate members nationally for many years by providing competitive “best practices” conducted RFP Telecommunications programs, on-going information, and training related to the USF E-Rate funding process which it now expands to its Healthcare members through its new MiCTA National Healthcare Connect Fund Program.

E-Rate Update

On July 11 and December 19, 2014 the FCC passed two Orders that created sweeping changes to the E-Rate Program.  First by removing or phasing out previously funded “operational” services, including the funding for voice services, and secondly to enhance the resources for broadband connectivity to schools and libraries in the country which reflects President Obama’s “Connect Ed” proclamation.  The Order also adds 1 billion dollars, budgeted per student, for the next 5 years (and possibly longer) to on premise network distribution equipment with a focus on “Fixed Wireless” (Wi-Fi) internet access.  On November 20, 2014, the FCC announced in the Federal Registry that the Office of Management and Budget approved the FCC Forms 470 and 471 for use in the E-Rate Program.  In July of 2015, USAC deployed the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC), an online Portal, directing that it would now be the tool for processing all E-Rate filings, processes and procedures.  Unfortunately the Portal had some difficulties and delayed the opening of the 2016 471 funding window. The USAC has just announced that the 2016 471 filing window has been extended again.  The window will now remain open for all applicants until May 26th and for Consortia and Libraries until July 21st.

 

Healthcare Connect Fund

After many “change in rules/eligible services” filing requests with the FCC, MiCTA was pleased with the Commission’s passage of Order 12-150 on December 12, 2012, creating the Healthcare Connect Fund under the existing RHC Telecommunications Program.  This new “Broadband” driven program seeks to enhance the capability of Rural HCPs to deliver a higher level of quality health care through the funding of “Advanced Broadband” services and stimulation of “HCP Consortiums” allowing “Non-Rural” HCPs to participate for the first time adding expertise to the diagnostic and treatment process.  MiCTA is pleased that in the Order the Commission agreed with MiCTA and is allowing our Healthcare members to use MiCTA MSAs awarded through the E-Rate 470 process and by-pass the HCF 461 bid process.

Healthcare Connect Fund update

On March 1, 2014 the initial 462 “Funding Request” application process opened.  One of the positive outcomes of this new program is the FCC form 462 (request for funding) and supporting documentation may be filed through the end of each funding year.  This extended 462 filing process provides the opportunity for qualified applicants to still receive funding within the annual July 1 to June 30 funding cycle on a “first come first severed” basis as long as annual funding is still available.

 MiCTA’s Goal

In working closely with FCC and USAC officials, MiCTA is attempting to both create uniformity wherever possible in process and procedural rules between the USF E-Rate and HCF Programs, as well as technically advance their “Eligible Services.”

 

 

USF E-Rate Program

 

USF Healthcare Connect Fund
MiCTA National E-Rate Program MiCTA National Healthcare Connect Fund Program
FCC E-Rate Moderization Fact Sheet

Healthcare Connect Fund Overview

MiCTA 2013 470 P1

MiCTA 2013 470 P2

MiCTA FBOS 2014 470

MiCTA DSSA 2015 470

HCF Funding Commitments as of 1/31/2016

Consortia 101

MiCTA Position Paper - LOTG

My Portal Demonstration for Applicants

 
(New) E-Rate Productivity Center
 
 

Obtaining FCC Registration Number

NPI Search Tool

E-Rate Application Process

FCC-Form-460 (Form 460 Instructions) ,

FCC-Form-462 (Form 462 Instructions) ,

FCC-Form-463 (Form 463 Instructions)

 

 

HCF My Portal Demonstration for Service Providers

 

President Obama's ConnectED Iniative

HCF Bulletins

Audits & Assessments FCC to Expand Acess to Broadband Healthcare Networks
Appeals Procedure FCC 12-150(WC02-60) - FCC.gov Presentation
E-Rate Weekly Updates FCC Rural Healthcare Support Mechanism Filing WC02-60 - FCC.gov
Universal Service Fund History In Reference to the FCC's Public Notice DA 12-1166
USAC's School Training & Outreach FCC Rural Healthcare Letter - Process
USF-Priority 2 Overview of E-Rate FCC/MiCTA Waiver - RHC Program Rules Request
SLD Training Reminder RHC Circuit 3rd Quarter 2013
FCC Modernizatoin Order 1 RHC Circuit 1st Quarter 2014

FCC Modernization Order 2
RHC Circuit 2nd Quarter 2014
  RHC Circuit 3rd Quarter 2014
  RHC Circuit 4th Quarter 2014
  RHC Circuit 1st Quarter 2015
  RHC Circuit 2nd Quarter 2015
  RHC Circuit 3rd Quarter 2015
  RHC Circuit 4th Quarter 2015
  RHC Circuit 1st Quarter 2016
  RHC Circuit 2nd Quarter 2016
  RHC Circuit 3rd Quarter 2016
  RHC Special Edition
  Changes to RHC Program Contact Information
  Current RHC/HCF Funding Commitments 2014 -2015
  Rural Health Care Vendor Announcement
  RHC Critical Deadlines Approaching 2016