Q1: I need help using the form, are there instructions available?

A1: Yes. The most recent instructions are on USAC's website.

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Q2: How often are the instructions updated?

A2: USAC will update the instructions and FAQs on an as-needed basis. Please refer to the instructions posted on USAC's website for the most accurate information.

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Q3: How do I know if I have access to the online 497?

A3: Existing E-File users should see 497 Online Form on his or her information center. Contact your company's 498 Officer or General Contact to modify your entitlements if you do not see the Form 497.

Officers and General Contacts should contact 888-641-8722 and select prompts #3, #1, #2 to reach customer operations. Customer operations can help identify problems with your 498 account.

New Users will need his or her company's 498 Officer or General Contact to set up the appropriate entitlements.

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Q4: I get an error message when I try to log into E-File through the link on the website. How do I access the Online Form 497?

A4: Close your web browser and open a new browser. Cut and paste https://forms.universalservice.org into the address bar.

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Q5: I don't remember my password, how can I get a new one?

A5: If you are the officer or general contact, you can call 888-641-8722 and select prompts #3, #1, #2 to reach customer operations. The customer operations team will reset your password over the phone. Everyone else will need his or her password reset by the officer or general contact listed on Form 498.

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Q6: Can I submit an online 497 for a new ETC or new service area (study area)?

A6: No. All new companies must submit their first 497 by mail, fax, or email.

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Q7: Can I revise forms originally submitted offline?

A7: Yes. Carriers can revise any form that was submitted offline as long as it falls within the current administrative window. For example, you can use the online 497 to submit original or revised forms for 2008 and 2009 data months.

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Q8: Do I need to re-enter all the data for a revised 497?

A8: No. Only modify the data you wish to change. You will need to re-certify the form.

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Q9: I saved my data but when I click Exit to 497 Search I get the following message: "Any unsaved data will be lost. Are you sure you want to return to the Form497 Search page?" Will I lose my data when I exit?

A9: You will not lose your data if you received a "Save successful" message after you clicked Save.

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Q10: I certified my data but when I click Exit to 497 Search I get the following message: "Any unsaved data will be lost. Are you sure you want to return to the Form497 Search page?" Will I lose my data when I exit?

A10: You will not lose your data if you received a "Form 497 certified successfully" message after you clicked Certify.

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Q11: I successfully certified my data. Will I receive a confirmation email?

A11: No. You will receive a message on your screen that states: "Form 497 certified successfully." You may save a copy of this screen for your records.

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Q12: I successfully certified my data. Should I send a paper copy to USAC as well?

A12: No. With the exception of revisions, please provide only one 497 per data month-either offline or online-to USAC.

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Q13: Can I enter more than one 497 at a time?

A13: Yes. You can use the Bulk Upload feature to upload multiple 497s however you will need to certify each form individually.

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Q14: How do I get a bulk upload template?

A14: You can contact Tanea Davis for a template. Please include the applicable SPINs and SACs.

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Q15: How should I save my bulk upload template?

A15: Templates should be saved as .xls files (EXCEL 97-2003). Other formats, including .xlsx (EXCEL 2007), will not upload.

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Q16: When will I be able to bulk certify?

A16: The bulk certify feature will be installed this fall.

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