The Universal Service Fund provides discounts of up to 65% on telecommunication costs for eligible health care providers through programs like the Healthcare Connect Fund. This funding can now be accessed by non-rural providers through participation in consortiums. The USF Group specializes in assisting over 250 hospitals and 1,100 health care locations secure over $10 million in funding annually to reduce their telecom costs.

1. There is a federal program that allows some health care providers reduce
their telecommunication costs by 65% or more. The Universal Service Fund
(USF) was established in 1996 to help build telecommunications
infrastructure in America’s rural and underserved areas by providing
telecommunications discounts to eligible rural health care providers (HCPs).
In 2014 this program was expanded with the Healthcare Connect Fund.
Now non-rural providers may participate in this new program by
participating in a consortium of eligible HCPs.
The Program
The Healthcare Connect Fund will provide 65% of the cost of broadband
services. HCPs need only contribute 35%. Most broadband services (1.5
Mbps or faster) are covered by the program. The program also covers
reasonable installation charges and some equipment. Support is available
for T1, Fiber, Ethernet, OC3, DS3, ISDN, PRI and MPLS services.
The USF programs have $400 million earmarked annually but less than
$150 million is granted each year. This is due in large part to the difficulty in
the application process. Establishing and maintaining consortia for non-
rural locations makes it even more difficult for busy HCP staff.
Help Available
The USF Group specializes in the Rural Healthcare Programs of the
Universal Service Fund. We assist over 250 hospitals with 1,100 healthcare
locations in 32 states secure over $10 million in funding each year.
Call The USF Group to find out if your facility is eligible and what your
savings may be.
Universal Service Fund Program Savings is Now
Available to Non-rural Hospitals
Reduce Your
Telecommunication Costs by
65% or More
We secure more
funding
We secure more funding
than others due to our
approach. We file for every
eligible circuit. Some filers
only apply for their large
Internet/data services.
Contact:
David Boggs
USF Specialist
(615) 791-5785
david.boggs@theusfgroup.com