Reviewing Appeals

Inside the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) building, a small team of employees reviews appeals filed by E-Rate applicants, attorneys, and consultants.

E-Rate participants may appeal decisions made by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) relating to funding denials or other program determinations. 

These appeals are submitted to the FCC for review. Some are resolved within a month, while others may remain pending for years. Appeal decisions are published monthly.

• Click here to view the latest appeal decisions.

• Click here to search appeals filed by E-Rate applicants and vendors. 

Be sure to enter Proceeding Number 02-6 in the appropriate field. To find a specific appeal, simply use the text search box.

Always be specific with the reason you are appealing and under the circumstances that prompted the appeal. The reasons often included the loss of personnel, natural disasters, and other adverse conditions. In-depth personal reasons are discouraged. Below is an example of too much personal information.

In 2011, an appeal was filed by a consultant after he failed to meet the 471 deadline. Here’s an excerpt of an appeal that shows the desperation of a consultant

“Over the past year, I have experienced significant and unanticipated personal hardship. In September, my spouse left unexpectedly, triggering a series of destabilizing events. Without going into detail, I was subjected to threats, the loss and displacement of business and household property, and violations of court orders. These events led to multiple legal actions and extreme emotional distress.

This crisis coincided with a critical period in the E-Rate filing window.”