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About the FCC RHCPP

What is the FCC Rural Health Care Program?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the Rural Health Care Pilot Program in 2006 to encourage the development and use of broadband networking services by health care providers serving rural communities throughout the nation. Broadband networks can significantly increase rural Americans’ access to telehealth and telemedicine services capable of delivering health care information, consultation and other services. In November 2007, the FCC selected 69 (eventually 62) entities to participate in the Pilot Program. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Pilot Program.

The FCC RHCPP dedicated $417 million to assist in the continued deployment of broadband across teh country, and specifically in assisting health care networks like OHN which are designed to connect to one another in the form of an integrated nationwide health care delivery system.

OHN receiveved the 5th largest award totalling $20.2 million dollars, to be dispersed over the course of the five-year pilot program which for us ends May 2014. OHN is no longer accepting applications from participants to participate in this opportunity as all funds have been committed.

Benefits of RHCPP: This program is a cost reimbursement program. These funds are available for RHCP-eligible provider participants, and have also helped to cover the cost of OHN's network operations center (NOC). No administration/operations funding was provided to OHN with this subsidy award. All money is dispersed directly to the awarded telecommunications providers.

NON-RECURRING INSTALLATION & CONSTRUCTION COSTS

100% Subsidy for non-recurring installation costs to build and deploy connectivity within the broadband network

  • Funded by an 85% subsidy for the FCC
  • 15% matching subsidy from OHN

 

MONTHLY RECURRING SERVICE CHARGE
  • 85% Subsidy from the FCC for monthly connectivity services
  • 15% paid by the participant

 

NON-RECURRING NETWORK OPERATING CENTER COSTS

100% Subsidy for all startup costs associated with the Network Operating Center (NOC), ie software, hardware, etc.

  • Funded by an 85% subsidy for the FCC
  • 15% matching subsidy from OHN

 

RECURRING NETWORK OPERATING CENTER COSTS

100% Subsidy for all recurring costs associated with the Network Operating Center (NOC), ie software, hardwaretechnical support, maintenance, etc.

  • Funded by an 85% subsidy for the FCC
  • 15% paid by OHN through participation fees

You can find everything you need for the RHCPP here.

General

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

FCC’s Rural Health Care Pilot Program (FCC RHCPP)

Federal Communications Commission Order FCC 07-198 (PDF)

Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC): USAC is the FCC's 3rd part administrator for the  the Universal Service Fund and the RHCPP

 The OHN RHCPP Process

OHN's RHCPP

OHN Application as Submitted to the FCC (PDF)