USAC 2025 Annual Report

In 2025, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) continued to advance its mission with a steady commitment to responsible stewardship of Universal Service Fund (USF) resources, strong operational performance, and close collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Over the course of the year, USAC implemented key FCC directives, continued meaningful progress on IT modernization to improve internal efficiencies and better serve program participants, and strengthened risk management practices. The E-Rate program continued to enhance its business and program operations in 2025 and engaged stakeholders around the country through extensive outreach and training efforts. In 2025, the High Cost program continued to support carrier investments in advanced communications networks in rural America to ensure universal access to reliable phone lines and robust highspeed internet connections at rates reasonably comparable to those in urban areas. High Cost also continued to exercise oversight of carriers that receive funding to monitor compliance with FCC rules and deployment requirements, safeguard program integrity, and ensure public funds are properly spent. The Lifeline team continued to improve user experience across multiple systems and implemented tools to increase program integrity. At the end of 2025, the Lifeline program had over 8 million subscribers. The Rural Health Care (RHC) program optimized systems and further enhanced stakeholder outreach.