Government Shutdown Closes FCC; USAC Remains Operational

After Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding the government, the Federal Communications Commission shut down at 12:01 Eastern on October 1.

The FCC will operate to protect life and property only for most matters while spectrum auction matters will generally continue as normal.

As such, some of the Commission’s databases will not be available, although EDOCS (to find Commission documents) and ECFS (to make Commission filings) should remain available. Due dates (for USF appeals, for example) that occur during the shutdown will be extended until the business day after normal operations resume.

In contrast, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) remains in operation. Program participants should submit information requests, program integrity assurance (PIA) requests, appeals, or any other filings by the