 Universal
Service Program for High Cost Areas
The Universal Service High-Cost program is designed to ensure that consumers
in rural, insular, and high-cost areas have access to telecommunications
services at rates that are affordable and reasonably comparable to those
in urban areas. The program fulfills this universal service goal by allowing
eligible carriers who serve these areas to recover some of their operating
costs from the federal Universal Service Fund.
For statistical information on the High-Cost program, see Section Three
of the annual Monitoring
Report.
HEADLINES
5/14/2012
USF/ICC Transformation Third Order on Reconsideration: The Commission reconsiders and clarifies certain aspect of the USF/ICC Transformation Order in response to various petitions for reconsideration and/or clarification. The Commission addresses certain aspects of ETC reporting obligations, support adjustments for carriers with artificially low local rates, and issues related to support for carriers serving Alaska. The Commission also denies two requests related to intercarrier compensation.
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5/4/2012
Accipiter Communications Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for waiver of section 54.302 and other new rules of the Commission's rules relating to the new regression cap formulas, WC Docket Nos. 10-90 and 10-208 (filed April 18, 2012); 47 C.F.R. § 54.302.
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5/3/2012
Telenational Communications, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Telenational Communications, Inc. petition for waiver of section 54.314(a) of the Commission's, WC Docket No. 08-71(filed April 2, 2012); 47 C.F.R. § 54.314 (a).
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4/25/2012
HCLS Benchmarks Implementation Order: WCB implements benchmarks for carriers receiving high-cost loop support (HCLS), placing reasonable overall limits on costs eligible for reimbursement through HCLS and redistributing freed-up HCLS to carriers that stay within the limits to allow for new broadband investment.
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4/25/2012
CAF Phase I Incremental Support Amounts Public Notice: WCB announces carriers' eligibility for Connect America Fund Phase I incremental support, which will be used to spur broadband deployment in unserved areas.
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3/8/2012
The Hargray Telephone Company and Bluffton Telephone Company Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Hargray Telephone Company and Bluffton Telephone Company petition for waiver of section 54.301(e) of the Commission's, WC Docket No. 08-71(filed February 17, 2012); 47 C.F.R. § 54.301(e).
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3/8/2012
The Chillicothe Telephone Company Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Chillicothe Telephone Company petition for waiver of section 54.301(e) of the Commission's, WC Docket No. 08-71(filed March 5, 2012); 47 C.F.R. § 54.301(e).
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2/29/2012
High Cost Universal Service Filing Deadline Public Notice: Telecommunications Access Policy Division of the Wireline Competition Bureau has found that there is good cause to grant three petitions for waiver of Commission rules.
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2/17/2012
The Cinergy Metronet, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Cinergy MetroNet, Inc. petition for waiver of section 54.307(c) of the Commission's, WC Docket No. 08-71(filed February 1, 2012); 47 C.F.R. § 54.307(c).
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2/17/2012
The Steelville Telephone Exchange, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review of USAC’s decision filed by Steelville Telephone Exchange, pursuant to section 54.719 of the Commission’s Rules, WC Docket No. 08-71(filed February 3, 2012); 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.719.
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2/15/2012
Connect America Fund Cost Models Public Notice: On November 18, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) released the USF/ICC Transformation Order.
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2/13/2012
Allband Communications Cooperative Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Allband Communications Cooperative (Allband) for waiver of two high-cost universal service rules.
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2/13/2012
Big Bend Telephone Company, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Big Bend Telephone Company, Inc. (BBTC) for waiver of three high-cost universal service rules.
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2/6/2012
CAF I Data Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on Potential Data for Connect America Fund Phase One Incremental Support.
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2/3/2012
Clarifying Aspects of USF/ICC Transformation Order: The Commission delegated to the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureaus) the authority to revise and clarify rules as necessary to ensure that the reforms adopted in the Order are properly reflected in the rules.
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2/3/2012
USF/ICC Public Notice: On January 12, 2012, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau released a Public Notice listing the 24 petitions for reconsideration of the Commission’s USF/ICC Transformation Order.
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2/3/2012
ACS Wireless, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by ACS Wireless, Inc. of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company.
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1/27/2012
ITTA et al. Clarification PN Concerning the Connect America Fund Rate Floor: Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance (ITTA), National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO), and Western Telecommunications Alliance (WTA) (collectively, the Petitioners) for clarification of certain aspects of the recently adopted rules in the USF/ICC Transformation Order and FNPRM.
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1/11/2012
Grant Stamp Public Notice: The Telecommunications Access Policy Division of the Wireline Competition Bureau has found that there is good cause to grant three petitions for waiver of Commission rules setting forth deadlines.
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1/10/2012
Sandwich Isles Communications, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Sandwich Isles Communications, Inc. for waiver of the universal service and intercarrier compensation reform rules.
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1/9/2012
2011 Modification High Cost Universal Service Support Order: Each year, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) reviews and approves or modifies any proposed modifications to the formulas used to calculate universal service high-cost loop support (HCLS) and local switching support (LSS) for average schedule companies. Pursuant to section 69.606(b) of the Commission’s rules, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA) files the annual average schedule company formula modifications for HCLS. Pursuant to section 54.301(f) of the Commission’s rules, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) submits the proposed formula for LSS. The Commission’s rules require that these formulas “simulate the disbursements that would be received … by a company that is representative of average schedule companies.
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1/9/2012
Walnut Hill Telephone Company Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Walnut Hill Telephone Company request for review of a decision by USAC regarding an audit conducted by KPMG and the findings of irregular accounting practices relating to Part 32 of Uniform System of Accounts and a petition for waiver of section 32.27(c) of the Commission's rules.
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12/22/2011
Midcontinent Communications Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Midcontinent Communications for waiver of a filing deadline required by section 54.307(c) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of high-cost universal service support. Section 54.307(c) sets forth the deadline for a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier to file line count data with the Universal Service Administrative Company to receive high-cost universal service support.
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12/22/2011
Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. d/b/a Innovative Telephone (Innovative) to waive the National Exchange Carrier Association's (NECA) rolling 24-month adjustment period and require that NECA recalculate Innovative's 2011 High Cost Loop Support (HCLS) based on corrected loop count data. Innovative claims that its 2009 loop count data submitted to NECA was inaccurate because Innovative had been erroneously including loops that were related to non-switched wideband services.
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12/22/2011
Citizens Tel Coop Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Citizens Tel Coop for waiver of a filing deadline required by section 54.314(d) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of high-cost universal service support. Section 54.314(d), among other things, sets forth the deadline for a rural incumbent local exchange carrier that is not subject to state jurisdiction to file an annual certification with the Commission and the Universal Service Administrative Company stating that the carrier “will only use support for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which support is intended,” which is required for such a carrier to be eligible to receive high-cost universal service support.
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12/15/2011
Forward-Looking Cost Models Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau requests parties to submit forward-looking cost models by February 1, 2012 to be used for estimating Connect America Fund support amounts in price cap areas by the end of 2012 in order to provide support beginning January 1, 2013.
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12/7/2011
Washington RSA No.8 Limited Partnership Order: In this Order, we deny a request by Washington RSA No. 8 Limited Partnership; Eastern Sub-RSA Limited Partnership d/b/a Inland Cellular (Inland Cellular) for a waiver of the universal service high-cost support filing deadlines set forth in sections 54.307(c) and 54.802(a) of the Commission rules.
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12/2/2011
USF/ICC Transformation Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau provides notice that it is releasing data and maps relevant to the USF/ICC Transformation Proceeding.
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11/18/2011
USF/ICC Transformation Order & FNPRM: In this order, the Commission comprehensively reforms and modernizes the universal service and intercarrier compensation systems to ensure that robust, affordable voice and broadband service, both fixed and mobile, are available to Americans throughout the nation.
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10/5/2011
NECA 2012 Modification Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the 2012 Modifications of Average Schedule Company Universal Service High-Cost Loop Support and Local Switching Support Formulas.
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9/12/2011
Telenational Communications, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Telenational Communications, Inc. for waiver of a filing deadline required by section 54.307(c) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of high-cost universal service support.
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8/17/2011
Triangle Communication Systems, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on two petitions filed on August 4, 2011 by Triangle Communication System, Inc. (“Triangle”), pursuant to section 54.207 of the Commission’s rules. In its petition, Triangle requests the Commission’s agreement with the Montana Public Service Commission to redefine the service area of two rural telephone companies. In one petition, Triangle seeks to redefine the service area of Central Montana Communications; in the other, Triangle seeks to redefine the service area of Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc.
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8/5/2011
Totah Communications, Inc. Order: In the attached order, the Bureau denies a petition filed by Totah Communications, Inc. (Totah) for a waiver of section 36.621(a)(4) of the Commission’s rules, which caps the amount of high-cost universal service support recoverable for carriers’ corporate operations expenses. Totah provides local exchange telephone service in areas of rural Oklahoma and states that it has corporate operations expenses that exceed the Commission’s limit on the recovery of such expenses for purposes of receiving loop support. In its request, Totah contends that it would not be able to maintain affordable rates in its service area without a waiver of the corporate operations expense cap. We conclude that Totah has failed to demonstrate that there is good cause to waive the applicable section of the Commission’s rules.
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8/3/2011
Universal Service Intercarrier Compensation Transformation Public Notice: In response to the USF/ICC Transformation NPRM, several parties have offered specific proposals for reform. We seek comment on how these proposals comport with the Commission’s articulated objectives and statutory requirements. We invite comment on specific aspects of the proposals and on additional issues that are not fully developed in the record.
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8/2/2011
Cedar-Wapsie Communications, Inc. Order: In this order, we grant four separate requests for waivers of various high-cost universal service support filing deadlines, filed by: (1) Cedar-Wapsie Communications, Inc. (Cedar-Wapsie); (2) DialToneServices, L.P. (DialToneServices); (3) Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. d/b/a Innovative Telephone (Innovative) and (4) Wildflower Telecommunications, LLC (Wildflower) (collectively, the petitioners).
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6/27/2011
CAL Communications, Inc. Order: In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau extends by 90 days the date by which the petition requesting forbearance filed by CAL Communications, Inc shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance.
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6/22/2011
Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration: In this order, we designate Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. (Standing Rock), a Tribally owned telecommunications carrier, as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) throughout the entire Standing Rock Sioux Reservation (Reservation), effective immediately.
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6/6/2011
Restated Line Count Letter: With this letter, the Commission provides explanation to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) concerning procedures to be followed when a competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) files revised line count reports with USAC.
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5/16/2011
Cricket Forbearance 90 Day Extension: In this order, pursuant to section 10(c) of the Communications Act, we extend by 90 days the date by which the petition requesting forbearance filed by Cricket Communications, Inc. shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance under section 10(a) of the Act.
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5/12/2011
Western Wireless Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau approves the requests of Western Wireless, LLC, successor by merger of Western Wireless Corporation d/b/a Verizon Wireless (Western Wireless), to relinquish its eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designations in the state of Wyoming and on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
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5/12/2011
AT&T Mobility Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau addresses a petition filed by AT&T pursuant to section 214(e)(6) of the Communications Act in which AT&T requests transfer of the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designation held by Western Wireless, LLC d/b/a Alltel for service offered to Tribal members on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the state of South Dakota and designation as an ETC. The Bureau grants in part AT&T Mobility’s petition, finding that AT&T meets the eligibility requirements of section 214(e)(1) of the Act and the Commission’s rules to be designated as an ETC.
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5/4/2011
Verizon Wireless Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Verizon Wireless for reconsideration of the Bureau's April 1, 2011 letter to USAC to implement the company-specific cap on high-cost universal service support that the Commission imposed in October 2007 on Verizon Wireless’s predecessor in interest, Alltel Corporation.
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4/28/2011
Grande Communications Networks, Inc. Order: In this order, we address four separate petitions filed by Grande Communications Networks, Inc. (Grande), Advantage Cellular Systems, Inc. (Advantage), Decatur Telephone Co. (Decatur), and Range Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Range) for waiver of high-cost universal service filings deadlines set forth in sections 54.307(c) or 54.904(d) of the Commission’s rules.
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4/28/2011
Allo Communications Order: In this Order, we deny seven separate petitions filed by Allo Communications (Allo), Bayland Communications, LLC (Bayland), Columbus Telephone Company (Columbus), Great Lakes of Iowa, Inc. (Great Lakes), HTC Communications, LLC (HTC), Pine Belt Cellular, Inc. (Pine Belt), and Windy City Cellular, LLC (Windy City) for waiver of high-cost universal service support filing deadlines set forth in sections 54.307, 54.314, 54.802, 54.809, 54.903(a), and 54.904(d) of the Commission’s rules.
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4/28/2011
NewComm Wireless Services, Inc. Order: In this Order, we address a petition filed by NewComm Wireless Services, Inc. d/b/a MoviStar (NewComm) for a waiver of the universal service high-cost support filing deadline set forth in section 54.307(d) of the Commission rules.
Order Word | PDF
4/18/2011
The Virgin Island Telephone Corp. d/b/a Innovative Telephone Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. d/b/a Innovative Telephone for waiver of a filing deadline required by section 54.903(a) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of high-cost universal service support.
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4/18/2011
Windstream Communications, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Windstream Communications, Inc. for waiver of a filing deadline required by section 54.903(a) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of high-cost universal service support.
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4/8/2011
Allied Wireless Communications Corporation Order: In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau denies petitions for waiver of high-cost universal service filing deadlines.
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3/30/2011
Universal Service Fund/Intercarrier Compensation Reform Workshop Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau announces the second in a series of workshops on universal service and intercarrier compensation reform. This workshop, to be held April 27, 2011, in Washington D.C., will focus on universal service reform proposals, including Phase One of the Connect America Fund.
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3/29/2011
Ringsted Communications Company Order: In this order, we grant a request by Ringsted Communications Company (Ringsted) for a waiver of a deadline set forth in section 54.307(c) of the Commission’s rules for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to file line count data with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to receive certain high-cost universal service support.
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3/29/2011
F&B Communications, Inc. f/k/a Farmers' and Business Men's Telephone Order: In this order, we grant a request by F&B Communications, Inc. f/k/a Farmers’ and Business Men’s Telephone Company (F&B Communications) for a waiver of section 54.802(a) of the Commission’s rules, which sets forth deadlines for eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) providing service within an area served by a price cap local exchange carrier (LEC) to file line count data on a quarterly basis with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to receive certain high-cost universal service support.
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3/21/2011
Washington RSA No.8 Limited Partnership Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Washington RSA No. 8 Limited Partnership; Eastern Sub-RSA Limited Partnership d/b/a Inland Cellular for waiver of the March, 30 2010 quarterly filing deadlines of the Commission’s Rules.
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3/16/2011
Cellular South Licenses, Inc. and United States Cellular Corp. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a joint petition filed by Cellular South Licenses, Inc. and United States Cellular Corporation requesting that the Commission reconsider its decision amending a rule established by the Interim Cap Order to reclaim high-cost universal service support surrendered by a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) when it relinquishes ETC status in a particular state.
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3/10/2011
USF/ICC Reform Public Notice: On February 9, 2011, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposals to fundamentally modernize the Commission’s universal service fund and intercarrier compensation system.
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2/25/2011
Partner Communications Cooperative Memorandum Opinion and Order: The Commission denies Partner Communications Cooperative Forbearance Petition.
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2/9/2011
Connect America Fund NPRM: In this NPRM, the Commission proposes to transform the high-cost portion of the Universal Service Fund to support broadband, as well as to reform the intercarrier compensation system.
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2/8/2011
Interim Cap Adjustment letter: Wireline Competition Bureau Instructs the Universal Service Administrative Company to Implement the Revised Interim Cap Amount for Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carriers.
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1/25/2011
Wildflower Telecommunications, LLC Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Wildflower Telecommunications, LLC for waiver of the December, 31 2010 and December, 30 2010 quarterly filing deadlines of the Commission’s Rules.
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1/25/2011
Puerto Rico Telephone Company Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by the Puerto RicoTelephone Company regarding a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), concerning the performance audit conducted by KPMG LLP (KPMG) for the Universal Service Fund disbursements made to the company during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2008.
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1/25/2011
Dialtoneservices, L.P. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by DialToneServices, L.P. for waiver of the December, 30 2010 filing deadlines of the Commission’s Rules.
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1/19/2011
Puerto Rico Telephone Company Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by the Puerto Rico Telephone Company of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) concerning an audit of Puerto Rico Telephone Company’s compliance with federal universal service high-cost program requirements.
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1/19/2011
Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review filed by Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company, Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company, and Consolidated Communications of Texas of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company concerning an audit of those companies’ compliance with federal universal service high-cost program requirements.
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1/19/2011
Fulton Telephone Company Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by Fulton Telephone Company for review of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company concerning an audit of Fulton Telephone Company’s compliance with federal universal service high-cost program requirements.
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1/13/2011
Dixie Net Communications, Inc. Order: In this order, we grant a request by Dixie Net Communications, Inc. (Dixie Net) for a waiver of section 54.307(c) of the Commission’s rules, which sets forth deadlines for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to file line count data with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to receive certain high-cost universal service support.
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1/12/2011
Upper Peninsula Telephone Co. and Michigan Central Broadband Co., LLC Public Notice: On December 29, 2010, Upper Peninsula Telephone Company (Upper Peninsula) and Michigan Central Broadband Company, LLC (Michigan Central) filed a joint petition for waiver of the study area boundary freeze codified in part 36 of the Commission’s rules. The Commission froze all study area boundaries effective November 15, 1984 to prevent incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) from establishing separate study areas made up only of high-cost exchanges to maximize their receipt of high-cost universal service support.
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1/12/2011
Cedar-Wapsie Communications, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Cedar-Wapsie Communications, Inc. for waiver of the filing deadline required by section 54.904(d) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of universal service high-cost support. Section 54.904(d) sets forth the deadline for rate-of-return carriers and competitive eligible telecommunications carriers serving rate-of-return service areas to file an annual certification with the Universal Service Administrative Company and the Commission to receive Interstate Common Line Support.
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12/20/2010
Average Schedule Order: In this order, the Commission adopts NECA's average schedule loop formula and USAC's universal service support formula.
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12/16/2010
Cross Wireless, LLC d/b/a Sprocket Wireless Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Cross Wireless, LLC d/b/a Sprocket Wireless for waiver of the filing deadlines required by section 54.307(c) of the Commission’s rules.
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12/8/2010
Tracfone Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on December 1, 2010, by TracFone Wireless, Inc. (TracFone) for a declaratory ruling.
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12/2/2010
East Ascension Telephone Company LLC and EATELCORP, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on an appeal filed by the East Ascension Telephone Company LLC and EATELCORP, INC. of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company concerning a performance audit conducted by KPMG LLP regarding universal service fund disbursements made to EATEL during the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2007.
Public Notice Word | PDF
11/9/2010
Allied Wireless Communications Corporation Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by the Allied Wireless Communication Corporation for waiver of the Commission's filing deadline rules.
Public Notice Word | PDF
11/9/2010
Ringsted Communications Company Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Ringsted Communications Company for waiver of the March 30, 2010 filing deadlines of the Commission’s Rules.
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11/2/2010
Partner Communications Cooperative Order: The Bureau extends from December 2, 2010, to March 2, 2011, the statutory deadline for acting on a petition filed by Partner Communications Cooperative requesting that the Commission forbear from applying the requirements of sections 54.305(b) and (d) of the Commission's rules.
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11/1/2010
Georgia RSA #8 Partnership Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by the Georgia RSA #8 Partnership for waiver of the filing deadlines required by the Commission's rules for universal service high-cost support.
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11/1/2010
Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. d/b/a Innovatitive Telephone Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. d/b/a Innovative Telephone Inc. for review of USAC's management response to the independent auditor's report that evaluated the company's compliance with the requirements of the high-cost universal service program from July 1, 2007 thru June 30, 200 8 .Sections:54.719(c), 54.721 and 54.722 of the Commission’s Rules (petition filed Oct. 21, 2010).
Public Notice Word | PDF
11/1/2010
Syringa Wireless, LLC Order: In this order, the Bureau grants a request by Syringa Wireless, LLC (Syringa) for a waiver of the universal service high-cost filing deadline set forth in sections 54.307(c) of the Commission’s rules. We conclude that a waiver is warranted because Syringa promptly filed the required data and states that it has revised its internal measures to ensure that it meet future deadlines.
Order Word | PDF
10/15/2010
Comment Sought on F&B Communications, Inc. f/k/a Farmers' and Business Men's Telephone Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by F&B Communications, Inc. f/k/a Farmers’ and Business Men’s Telephone Company for a waiver of the filing deadline required by section 54.802(a) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of universal service high-cost support.
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10/13/2010
Comment Sought on the Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. d/b/a Innovative Telephone Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. d/b/a Innovative Telephone for review of the Universal Service Administrative Company’s decision regarding the treatment of a deferred tax asset.
Publoc Notice: Word | PDF
10/13/2010
Comment Sought on the 2011 Modifications of Average Schedule Company Public Notice: On August 24, 2010, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. filed its 2011 Modification of Average Schedule Universal Service High-Cost Loop Support Formula. On September 30, 2010, the Universal Service Administrative Company filed its 2011 Average Schedule Company Local Switching Support Formula. The proposed formulas, if approved, would be scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2011, and remain in effect through December 31, 2011. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the proposed formulas.
Publoc Notice: Word | PDF
10/12/2010
SouthernLINC Public Notice: On September 3, 2010, the Commission released the Corr Wireless Order, which addressed a petition requesting review of a Universal Service Administrative Company decision. On September 30, 2010, SouthernLINC filed a petition for reconsideration of the Corr Wireless Order, and on October 4, 2010, Allied Wireless Communications, Inc., et al., did as well. Pursuant to section 1.106 of the Commission’s rules, oppositions to the SouthernLINC petition would be due on October 12, 2010, while oppositions to the Allied petition would be due on October 14, 2010.
Publoc Notice: Word | PDF
9/21/2010
WCB Comments Deadline Public Notice: On September 3, 2010, the Commission released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on permanently amending the Commission’s rules to facilitate efficient use of reclaimed excess high-cost universal service support, and on a proposal to modify the Commission’s rules to reclaim legacy support surrendered by a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) when it relinquishes ETC status in a particular state.
Publoc Notice: Word | PDF
9/17/2010
Dixie Net Communications, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Dixie Net Communications, Inc. for a waiver of the filing deadline required by section 54.307(c) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of universal service high-cost support.
Publoc Notice: Word | PDF
8/30/2010
Allied Wireless Communications Corporation Order: In this order, the Bureau grants the petition of Allied Wireless Communications Corporation (AWCC) to be designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in the state of North Carolina. We find that AWCC meets the eligibility requirements of section 214(e)(6) of the Communications Act and the Commission’s rules to be designated as an ETC in North Carolina.
Order: Word | PDF
8/24/2010
Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on whether Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. should be designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier in partial rural wire centers so that it can serve the entire Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
8/24/2010
Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. Memorandum Opinion and Order: In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau designates Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. (Standing Rock), a wireless carrier owned and operated by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in certain wire centers within the boundaries of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation (Standing Rock Reservation). The Bureau defers action on Standing Rock’s request to redefine and serve partial rural wire centers on the Reservation.
Memorandum Opinion and Order: Word | PDF
8/23/2010
The Twin Valley Telephone Inc. Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition by Twin valley telephone, Inc. for waiver of sections 36.612(a)(3) and 54.305 (d)(1); the March 30, 2010 deadline for filing loop-related expense data to receive safety valve support ("the filing deadline").
Public Notice: Word | PDF
7/27/2010
Pine Drive/Qwest Public Notice: Sought comment on joint petition of Pine Drive Telephone and Qwest to waive the study area boundary freeze as codified in Part 36 of the Commission’s rules.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
7/22/2010
Smith Bagley, Inc. Public Notice: Sought comment on Smith Bagley, Inc. request for review of a decision of the Universal Service Administrative Company and a request for declaratory ruling.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
6/4/2010
Wellman Study Area Waiver Order: In this order, WCB grants a joint request from Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. (Iowa Telecom) and Wellman Cooperative Telephone Association (Wellman) for a waiver of the study area boundary freeze codified in the Appendix-Glossary of Part 36 of the Commission’s rules. The study area waiver will permit Iowa Telecom to transfer a small area from Iowa Telecom’s existing Williamsburg exchange, including one access line, to Wellman’s existing Iowa study area. WCB also grants Wellman’s request for a waiver of section 54.305 of the Commission’ rules to allow Wellman to receive universal service high-cost support for the acquired line in the same manner as its existing lines. Lastly, WCB grants Wellman’s request for a waiver of section 69.605(c) so that it may continue to operate as an average schedule company after the transfer.
Order: Word | PDF | text
6/4/2010
Verizon/Frontier Study Area Waiver Order: In this order, WCB grants, with one condition, a joint request from Verizon California Inc. (Verizon California), Verizon South Inc. (Verizon South), and Frontier Communications Corporation (Frontier) for waivers of the study area boundary freeze codified in the Appendix-Glossary of Part 36 of the Commission’s rules. The study area waiver will permit Verizon California to remove seven exchanges from its current California study area and permit Frontier to create a new California study area consisting of those same seven exchanges. In addition, the study area waiver will permit Verizon South to remove exchanges from its North Carolina study area, with the exception of its facilities and customers located in the Knotts Island exchange, permit Frontier to create a new North Carolina study area consisting of those same exchanges, and permit Verizon South to create a new North Carolina study area consisting solely of the Knotts Island exchange. The study area waiver requests are in connection with Verizon’s sale of operating companies in a number of states to Frontier.
Order: Word | PDF | text
6/4/2010
CTC Telecom High-Cost Waiver Order: In this order, WCB grants, consistent with precedent, CTC Telecom's request for waiver of the universal service high-cost filing deadline set forth in section 54.314(d)(6) of the Commission's rules.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/28/2010
Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless Order: In this order, WCB approves the request of Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless and its affiliates (Cellco) for pro forma amendment of the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designations currently held by Cellco in the name of ALLTEL Communications, Inc. and its affiliated legal entities (Alltel) in Virginia and North Carolina, as well as ETC designations held by both Alltel and RCC Holdings, Inc. in Alabama. Under this order, the designated service areas of Alltel and RCC would reflect Cellco as the ETC designated entity. This order in does not affect the universal service reductions merger conditions.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/21/2010
Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc. Recon Petition Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc. requesting that the Commission reconsider its decision declining to establish a new universal service high-cost support mechanism for non-rural insular carriers.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
5/19/2010
Iowa Telecom Order: In this order, the Bureau denies a petition filed by Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. requesting that the Commission waive certain sections of the Commission’s rules to permit Iowa Telecom to receive universal service high-cost support under the non-rural mechanism.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/19/2010
Qwest/RT Study Area Waiver: In this order, WCB grants a request from Qwest Corporation for a waiver of the study area boundary freeze codified in the Appendix-Glossary of Part 36 of the Commission’s rules. The study area waiver will permit Qwest to remove a certain territory in Laramie County from its Wyoming study area and permit RT Communications, Inc. to add that same territory to its parent company’s existing Wyoming study area.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/19/2010
Qwest/El Paso Study Area Waiver: In this order, WCB grants a joint request from El Paso County Telephone (El Paso) and Qwest Corporation (Qwest) for a waiver of the study area boundary freeze codified in the Appendix-Glossary of Part 36 of the Commission’s rules. The study area waiver will permit Qwest to remove a territory from its Colorado study area and permit El Paso to add that territory to its existing Colorado study area, and will also permit El Paso to remove a territory from its Colorado study area and permit Qwest to add that territory to its existing Colorado study area.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/19/2010
Panora/Prairie Study Area Waiver: In this order, WCB grants a joint request from Panora Communications Cooperative (Panora) and Prairie Telephone Co., Inc. (Prairie) for a waiver of the study area boundary freeze codified in the Appendix-Glossary of Part 36 of the Commission’s rules. The study area waiver will permit Prairie to remove a territory from its Iowa study area and permit Panora to add that same territory to its existing Iowa study area. We deny, however, Panora’s request for waiver of section 54.305 of the Commission’s rules.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/19/2010
Eagle/Midvale Study Area Waiver: In this order, WCB grants a joint request from Eagle Telephone System, Inc. (Eagle) and Midvale Telephone Exchange, Incorporated (Midvale) for a waiver of the study area boundary freeze codified in the Appendix-Glossary of Part 36 of the Commission’s rules. The study area waiver will permit Midvale to remove the Connor Creek area located in northeast Oregon and a small portion of Idaho from its Idaho study area and permit Eagle to add that same territory to its existing Oregon study area.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/19/2010
Qwest/Dubois Study Area Waiver: In this order, WCB grants a joint request from Dubois Telephone Exchange, Inc. (Dubois) and Qwest Corporation (Qwest) for a waiver of the study area boundary freeze. The study area waiver will permit Qwest to remove the Carbon County territory from its Wyoming study area and permit Dubois to add that territory to its existing Wyoming study area.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/18/2010
Arkansas Preemption Dismissal Order: In this order, we dismiss as moot a petition filed by Alltel Communications, Inc. (Alltel) seeking a declaratory ruling preempting section 5(d)(1) of the Arkansas Telecommunications Regulatory Act of 1997.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/14/2010
Allo Communications Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by Allo Communications for waiver of section 54.307(c), quarterly line count filing deadline
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
5/13/2010
Universal Service Reform NOI and NPRM Comment Cycle Public Notice: WCB announces comment and reply comment deadlines for the Universal Service Reform NOI and NPRM of July 12, 2010 and August 11, 2010, respectively.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
5/7/2010
Syringa Wireless, LLC Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Syringa Wireless, LLC seeking waiver of a filing deadline required by section 54.307(c) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of universal service high-cost support funds.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
5/5/2010
PR Wireless Public Notice: On April 5, 2010, PR Wireless, Inc., pursuant to sections 54.721 and 54.722 of the Commission’s rules, filed a request for review of an audit finding by USAC. Specifically, PR Wireless requests that the Commission review USAC’s audit finding regarding the manner in which PR Wireless reports prepaid wireless subscribers in the universal service high-cost line counts it files with USAC. PR Wireless also requests reversal of USAC’s decision to recover universal service high-cost support funds that the auditor determined to have been improperly paid to PR Wireless. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on PR Wireless’s request.
Order: Word | PDF | text
5/5/2010
Etex Grant Order: In this order, we grant a request filed by ETEX Telephone Cooperative (ETEX) for a waiver of the October 1, 2008 data filing deadline set forth in section 54.301(b) of the Commission’s rules concerning universal service local switching support (LSS). We find that ETEX has demonstrated that good cause warrants this waiver.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/29/2010
499 Late Fee Denial Order (Achilles et al.): In this order, WCB denies thirteen requests for reversal of the late filing fee associated with the late filing of FCC Forms 499-A and 499-Q.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/29/2010
Flat Rock et al High-Cost Waiver Order: In this order, WCB grants fives requests for waiver of a high-cost universal service support filing deadlines, filed by: Flat Rock Telephone Co-Op, Inc.; Windstream Communications, Inc.; Palmerton Telephone Company and Northeastern Pennsylvania Telephone Company; Northwest Iowa Telephone Company; and West River Telecommunications Cooperative.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/29/2010
GA PSC High-Cost Waiver Order: In this order, WCB grants the Georgia Public Service Commission’s request for waiver of section 54.314(d)(1) of the Commission’s rules for good cause.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/29/2010
Nebraska Technologies High-Cost Waiver Denial Order: In this order, WCB denies six requests, filed by Nebraska Technology & Telecommunications, Inc.; Dixie-Net Communications, Inc.; The Community Cable Television Agency of O’Brien County d/b/a The Community Agency and TCA; H&B Cable Services, Inc.; FiberNet LLC; and Skylink LLC, for waiver of high-cost universal service support filing deadlines. The petitioners failed to promptly correct their mistakes or to demonstrate that special circumstances were present.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/29/2010
Three ETC Relinquishments Order: In the order, TAPD grants relinquishments of ETC status by three federally designated ETCs. These relinquishments are not related to the Verizon Wireless or Sprint merger conditions and won't affect the size of the CETC interim cap.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/29/2010
NEP Cellcorp ETC Designation Order: In this order, WCB grants the request of NEP Cellcorp, Inc. to amend its ETC designation in Pennsylvania to include the rural study area of North-Eastern Pennsylvania Telephone Company.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/27/2010
US Cellular Tennessee ETC Amendment Order: In this order, WCB grants the request of United States Cellular Corporation to amend its ETC designation in the state of Tennessee.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/21/2010
FCC Kicks Off Universal Service Reform. This proposed
notice of inquiry (NOI) and notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) represents
the first step towards establishing the detailed analytic basis for a
Universal Service Fund that will efficiently target funding to support
broadband as well as voice service, while cutting inefficient funding
of voice networks in the legacy high-cost support program. The NOI seeks
comment on whether the Commission should use a model to assist in determining
universal service support levels in areas where there is no private sector
business case to provide broadband and voice services. The NOI also seeks
comment on the best way to create an accelerated process to target funding
toward new deployment of broadband networks in unserved areas, while
the Commission considers final rules to implement fully a new broadband
funding mechanism that efficiently ensures universal access to broadband
and voice in areas where government support is necessary. Finally, the
NPRM seeks comment on specific common-sense reforms to contain growth
in the legacy high-cost support mechanisms and identify savings that
can be shifted toward broadband communications.
NOI & NPRM: PDF
Genachowski Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
Clyburn Statement: Word | Acrobat
Baker Statement: Word | Acrobat
4/16/2010
Non-Rural Insular Order and NPRM: In the Order, the Commission addresses high-cost universal service support for non-rural carriers serving insular areas. In the NPRM, the Commission seeks comment on amending its rules to provide additional low-income support in Puerto Rico.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/16/2010
Qwest II Remand Order and MO&O: In the Order on Remand, the Commission responds to the Tenth Circuit on high-cost universal service support for non-rural carriers. In the Memorandum Opinion and Order, the Commission determines that supplemental high-cost support is required under the current non-rural high-cost support mechanism to achieve reasonably comparable rates in Wyoming.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/16/2010
Allied Wireless Communications Corporation ETC Public Notice: On April 13, 2010, Allied Wireless Communications Corporation filed a petition seeking designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier in North Carolina pursuant to section 214(e)(6) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/18/2010
Local Switching Support Report & Order & Memorandum Opinion & Order: In this order, the Commission addresses an inequitable asymmetry in the Commission’s current rules governing the receipt of universal service high-cost local switching support (LSS) by small incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs). By modifying the Commission’s rules to permit incumbent LECs that lose lines to receive additional LSS when they cross a threshold, the order provides LSS to all small LECs on the same basis. Nothing in the order is intended to address the long-term role of LSS in the Commission’s high-cost universal service policies, which the Commission is considering as part of comprehensive universal service reform.
Order: Word | PDF | text
2/24/2010
Standing Rock Petition for Redefinition PN: The Wireline Competition Bureau provides notice that it is initiating a proceeding to consider a petition filed by Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc., pursuant to section 54.207 of the Commission’s rules, to redefine the service area served by several rural telephone companies in North and South Dakota.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
2/24/2010
Verizon-Frontier Study Area Waiver PN: Verizon California and Frontier seek a waiver of the study area boundary freeze to transfer seven exchanges from Verizon California’s existing California study area to a newly created Frontier study area in California. Verizon South and Frontier also seek a waiver of the study area boundary freeze to transfer all exchanges, with the exception of the Knotts Islands exchange, from Verizon South’s existing North Carolina study area to a newly created Frontier study area in North Carolina. The study area waiver requests are in connection with the transaction in which Verizon proposes to transfer operating companies in a number of states to Frontier. The attached public notice seeks comment on the requested study area waiver.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
1/29/2010
Bayland Public Notice:The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Bayland Communications, LLC seeking waiver of a filing deadline required by section 54.904(d) of the Commission’s rules for receipt of universal service high-cost support funds.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
1/22/2010
Western New Mexico Telephone Company, Inc. High Cost Order:In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau grants thirteen requests for waiver of high-cost universal service support filing deadlines, filed by: Western New Mexico Telephone Company, Inc.; Yukon Telephone Company, Inc.; Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC and Telephone Operating Company of Vermont LLC; Ballard Rural Telephone Cooperative Corporation, Inc.; PRWireless, Inc.; CommuniGroup of Jackson, Inc.; Hopi Telecommunications, Inc.; Midstate Telecom, Inc.; T-Mobile USA, Inc.; WorldNet Telecommunications, Inc.; QSI Consulting, Inc., on behalf of Midcontinent Communications; and General Communications, Inc.
Order: Word | PDF | text
1/12/2010
Thumb Cellular Order:TAPD dismisses as moot Thumb Cellular’s motion for ruling on an appeal of USAC’s denial of USF funding because the Bureau already granted the underlying appeal.
Order: Word | PDF | text
1/12/2010
Direct Allband Waiver Order: In this order, we deny requests from Direct Communications Cedar Valley, LLC (Direct) and Allband Communications Cooperative (Allband) for waivers of sections 36.611 and 36.612 of the Commission’s rules. Direct requests a waiver of sections 36.611 and 36.612 to allow it to receive universal service high-cost loop support payments as of February 1, 2006, the date that Direct closed its purchase of the Eagle Mountain City municipal telephone system (EMC). Allband requests a waiver of sections 36.611 and 36.612 to allow it to receive support retroactively to the month that its first customer is provided service.
Order: Word | PDF | text
1/12/2010
Smith Bagley Interim Cap Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Smith Bagley, Inc. (SBI) seeking a waiver of the interim cap that the Commission imposed on the amount of universal service high-cost support that competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may receive. Specifically, SBI requests a waiver to enable SBI and other competitive ETCs to obtain uncapped high-cost support to provide or expand telecommunications services to residents of the Eastern Navajo Agency of the Navajo Nation in the state of New Mexico.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
1/12/2010
Partner Forbearance Petition, and Protective Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Partner Communications Cooperative (Partner) seeking forbearance from section 54.305(b) and (d) of the Commission’s rules. Specifically, Partner requests that the Commission forbear from enforcing section 54.305(b) and (d) of the Commission’s rules so that Partner may receive additional universal service high-cost support and local switching support for four exchanges it acquired in 2006. Partner states that grant of its petition will allow Partner to upgrade its telephone network and provide the platform for eventual ubiquitous broadband coverage in the four acquired high-cost exchanges, as well as in its two original exchanges. Please note: Partner seeks confidential treatment of certain data provided in its filing, and a protective order is also attached.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
Order: Word | PDF | text
1/12/2010
Pine Belt High-Cost Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by Pine Belt Telephone Company, Inc. that the Commission: (1) direct NECA to re-open the 24-month window that NECA established for its members to adjust cost studies submitted to NECA, so that Pine Belt may adjust its 2005 cost study; and (2) require that NECA reimburse Pine Belt for any amounts that may become due to Pine Belt as a result of Pine Belt’s desired adjustments. Comments are due on February 11, 2010. Reply comments are due on February 26, 2010.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
1/12/2010
CTC High-Cost Waivers Petition: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by CTC Telecom, Inc. (d/b/a Snake River PCS) for waiver of the sixty-day filing deadline set forth in section 54.314(d) of the Commission’s rules for high-cost support.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
1/4/2010
Qwest II – Tenth Circuit Remand: On December 15, 2009, the Commission released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding high-cost universal service support for non-rural carriers, in response to the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Qwest Communications International, Inc. v. FCC. The Commission set the comment and reply comment deadlines for this Further Notice as 30 and 45 days, respectively, after publication of the summary of the Further Notice in the Federal Register. On December 29, 2009, a summary of the Further Notice appeared in the Federal Register. Accordingly, comments will be due on January 28, 2010, and reply comments will be due on February 12, 2010.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
12/30/09
2010 Average Schedule Order: Each year, NECA and USAC submit to WCB for approval proposed modifications of formulas that determine universal service high-cost loop and local switching support, respectively, for average schedule companies. The formulas are based on statistical analysis of sample companies. In the attached order, WCB approves the formulas.
Order: Word | PDF | text
12/22/09
Wellman/Iowa Telecom Study Area Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a joint petition for waiver of the study area boundary freeze filed by Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. (Iowa Telecom) and Wellman Cooperative Telephone Association (Wellman). Iowa Telecom and Wellman seek a waiver of the study area boundary freeze to transfer a small area from Iowa Telecom’s existing Iowa study area to Wellman’s existing Iowa study area. Wellman also requests a waiver of section 54.305 of the Commission’s rules so that it may receive universal service support for the acquired line in the same manner as its existing lines, and Wellman seeks a waiver of the average schedule company definition so that it may continue to operate as an average schedule company after the transfer.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
12/22/09
Georgia PSC High-Cost Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by the Georgia Public Service Commission for waiver of the October 1, 2009 certification deadline for high-cost funds.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
12/15/09
Qwest II- Tenth Circuit Remand Order: The Commission released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in response to the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (Tenth Circuit) in Qwest II, in which the court remanded the Commission’s rules for providing high-cost universal service support to non-rural carriers.
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Word | PDF | text
11/12/09
Local Switching Support: On October 7, 2009, the Commission released the following Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the effect of line loss on high-cost universal service support received pursuant to the Local Switching Support mechanism:
High-Cost Universal Service Support, WC Docket No. 05-337, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 09-89 (rel. Oct. 7, 2009) (Local Switching Support One-Way Rule NPRM)
The Commission set the comment and reply comment deadlines for this Notice as 14 and 21 days, respectively, after publication of the summary of the Notice in the Federal Register. On November 10, 2009, a summary of the Notice appeared in the Federal Register. Accordingly, comments will be due on November 24, 2009, and reply comments will be due on December 1, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
10/9/09
Local Switching Support Order and NPRM: In this order and NPRM the Commission denies the Coalition for Equity in Switching Support’s petition seeking clarification that the Commission’s rules allow an incumbent LEC ETC’s local switching support (LSS) to increase if the carrier’s access lines decrease below those thresholds. In the NPRM the Commission tentatively concludes that the LSS rules should be modified to permit incumbent LEC ETCs that lose lines to increase their LSS and seeks comment on these proposed rule changes.
Order and NPRM: Word | PDF | text
10/02/09
Centennial PRTC ICLS: In this order, the Bureau denies the request of Centennial Communications Corp. for reversal of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to recover universal service interstate common line support (ICLS) from Centennial. As a result of USAC's retroactive downward adjustment to Puerto Rico Telephone Company's (PRTC) ICLS for 2004 and 2005, USAC retroactively reduced Centennial's ICLS for the same period due to the identical support rule contained in section 54.307(a)(1) of the Commission rules. PRTC is the incumbent local exchange carrier in Puerto Rico. Centennial claims that USAC's decision to recover a portion of Centennial's ICLS was inappropriate because it was based on PRTC's late-filed data. The Bureau finds that USAC acted properly and within its authority to adjust Centennial’s ICLS payments pursuant to the requirements in section 54.307(a)(1) of the Commission’s rules.
Order: Word | PDF | text
8/10/09
Panora Communications Cooperative and Prairie Telephone Co., Inc. Study Area Waiver Petition: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a joint petition filed by Panora Communications Cooperative (Panora) and Prairie Telephone Co., Inc. (Prairie) for waiver of the Commission's study area boundary freeze. Specifically, Panora and Prairie seek a waiver to remove 35 access lines from Prairie’s Iowa study area and include those access lines in Panora’s Iowa study area. Comments are due September 9, 2009, and reply comments are due September 24, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
8/10/09
General Communications, Inc. High-Cost Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by General Communications, Inc. for waiver of the December 30, 2008 and March 30, 2009 line count filing deadlines for high-cost support. Comments are due September 9, 2009, and reply comments are due September 24, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
HEADLINES
7/21/09
Advantage Cellular Systems, Inc.: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by Advantage Cellular Systems, Inc., a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier, seeking to receive universal service high-cost support based on the own-costs exception in the Commission's Interim Cap Order. The Bureau also issued a protective order for any parties that want to review Advantage Cellular's cost information, for which it seeks confidential treatment. Comments on the request are due August 20, 2009, and reply comments are due September 4, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
Protective Order: Word | PDF | text
6/10/09
Centennial Communications Corp.: The Wireline Competition Bureau denies a request filed by Centennial Communications Corp. for waivers of the September 30, 2005, June 30, 2006, and June 30, 2007, filing deadlines for universal service Interstate Access Support (IAS) set forth in section 54.802(a) of the Commission's rules. Centennial argues that it was confused by the language in its Louisiana ETC designation order, which was granted in March 2004, and therefore did not file IAS annual certifications or line counts until February 2008. Centennial seeks a waiver to permit it to receive IAS funds for the first and second quarters of 2008, and a further waiver to permit it to receive retroactive payments beginning October 1, 2005 through the end of 2007. The order provides that even though we deny Centennial’s request for waiver, the amount of IAS that Centennial would have been able to receive in March 2008 if it had not missed the filing deadlines will be included in the capped level of support available to competitive ETCs in Louisiana pursuant to the Commission’s Interim Cap Order.
Order: Word | PDF | text
6/8/09
Virginia Cellular ETC Relinquishment Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau accepts the relinquishment of the eligible telecommunications carrier designation of Virginia Cellular, LLC in the Williamsville wire center in the study area of MGW Telephone Company in Virginia.
Order: Word | PDF | Text
6/5/09
Accipiter/Qwest Joint Petition for Study Area Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a joint petition filed by Accipiter and Qwest for a study area waiver in Arizona. On April 30, 2009, Accipiter Communication, Inc. d/b/a Zona Communications (Accipiter) and Qwest Corporation (Qwest) filed a joint petition for waiver of the study area boundary freeze as codified in the Appendix-Glossary of Part 36 of the Commission’s rules. The requested waiver would permit Accipiter and Qwest to exchange territories and add those exchanged territories to their existing study areas in Arizona. Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
6/5/09
WorldNet Telecommunications, Inc. Request for Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by WorldNet Telecommunications, Inc., a CETC in Puerto Rico, for waiver of the December 30, 2008 line count filing deadline for Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS). Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
6/5/09
Long Lines and OTZ High-Cost Waiver Requests
: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on: (i) a request by Long Lines Wireless, LLC for waiver of the September 30, 2008 line count filing deadlines for High-Cost Model Support and Interstate Access Support (IAS); and (ii) a request by OTZ Telecommunications, Inc. for waiver of the December 30, 2008 and March 30, 2009 line count filing deadlines for high cost support. Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
5/6/09
DTS NECA and Universal Service Support Waiver Petition
: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by DTS of California seeking a waiver to allow DTS to become a member of the National Exchange Carrier Association and to immediately receive universal service high-cost loop support initially based on its forecasted costs rather than its historical costs. Comments are due June 5, 2009 and reply comments are due June 22, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
5/4/09
Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Posting of Cost Model
: The Wireline Competition Bureau announces that the publicly-available version of the High-Cost Proxy Model on the FCC's website has been updated to work with the Commission's current computer operating systems (Microsoft Windows XP Operating System, Service Pack 2 or greater, and Microsoft Office Suite 2003, Service Pack 3 or greater).
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
4/21/09
Centennial USVI High-Cost Waiver Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau acts on a request from Centennial USVI Operations Corp. for a waiver of high-cost universal service support filing deadlines.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/21/09
Northeast Iowa High-Cost Waiver Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau grants a request by ICORE, Inc. on behalf of Northeast Iowa Telephone Company for a waiver of the data submission reporting deadline for local switching universal service support.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/21/09
Xfone High-Cost Waiver Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau grants in part and denies in part a request filed by Xfone USA, Inc. for waivers of high-cost universal service support filing deadlines.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/21/09
LBH et al. High-Cost Waiver Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau denies three requests, filed by LBH, LLC; Knology of the Black Hills, LLC; and USCOC of Cumberland Inc. Hardy Cellular Telephone Company for waivers of high-cost universal service support filing deadlines.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/21/09
Grande Communications Networks et al High-Cost Waiver Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau acts on nine requests for waivers of various high-cost universal service support filing deadlines filed by Grande Communications Networks, Inc.; Hardy Telecommunications, Inc.; iBroadband Network, Inc.; IT&E Overseas, Inc.; Micronesian Telecommunications Company; Pattersonville Telephone Company; PTI Pacifica, Inc.; Texas RSA 8 South Limited Partnership dba Westex Wireless; and Thumb Cellular, LLC.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/9/09
Corr Wireless Request for Review: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Corr Wireless Communication's (Corr) request for review of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Corporation (USAC). Corr challenges USAC’s failure to include universal service high-cost support funds disclaimed by ALLTEL and Verizon in connection with their merger last year in the pool of funds available for distribution under the competitive eligible telecommunications carrier interim cap on high-cost universal service support. Comments are due May 11, 2009 and reply comments are due May 26, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
4/9/09
Twin Valley Telephone, Inc.: The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) grants Twin Valley's request to withdraw its application for review of the Bureau's prior decision to deny Twin Valley's petition for clarification or expedited waiver of section 54.305 of the Commission's rules.
Order: Word | PDF | text
4/8/09
High Cost Non-Rural Support Notice of Inquiry: The
Commission seeks to refresh the record regarding the issues raised by the
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (Tenth Circuit) in
the Qwest II decision. In that decision the Tenth Circuit invalidated the
Commission’s high-cost universal service support mechanism for non-rural carriers, which determines the amount of support to be provided to each state by comparing the statewide average forward-looking cost per line for non-rural carriers to a nationwide cost benchmark. Comments are due by May 8, 2009 and reply comments are due by June 8, 2009.
Notice of Inquiry: Word | PDF | text
4/3/09
Cellular Properties, Inc.: : The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Cellular Properties, Inc., pursuant to section 54.207 of the Commission’s rules, requesting the Commission’s agreement with the decision of the Illinois Commerce Commission to redefine the service area of Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company. Comments on the petition are due by May 4, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 19, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
4/3/09
Cellular Properties, Inc.: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Cellular Properties, Inc., pursuant to section 54.207 of the Commission’s rules, requesting the Commission’s agreement with the decision of the Illinois Commerce Commission to redefine the service area of Wabash Telephone Cooperative Inc. Comments on the petition are due by May 4, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 19, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/30/09
Minerva Valley Telephone Company: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by Minerva Telephone Company, an ILEC in Iowa, for waiver of the June 30, 2008 annual certification filing deadline for Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS). This petition does not affect the amount of support available to competitive ETCs pursuant to the Interim Cap Order because it does not affect support received in March 2008. Comments are due by April 29, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 14, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/19/09
Coalition for Equity in Switching Support: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Coalition for clarification of sections 36.125 and 54.301 of the Commission's rules. Comments are due by April 20, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 5, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/19/09
Midstate Telecom, Inc.: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Midstate Telecom, Inc. seeking waiver of filing deadlines associated with the receipt of universal service funds, pursuant to sections 54.307(c) and 54.802(a) of the Commission's rules. Comments are due by April 20, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 5, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/19/09
Hargray Telephone Company High-Cost Waivers: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by Hargray Telephone Company, a South Carolina ILEC, for waiver of the October 1, 2006 and October 1, 2007 projected-data filing deadlines for local switching support (LSS). Comments are due by April 20, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 5, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/19/09
General Communication, Inc. Declaratory Ruling Regarding CETC Wireless Lines: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by GCI for a declaratory ruling finding that its wireless subsidiaries in Alaska: (i) are correctly reporting prepaid wireless lines based on a local address or point of sale address; and (ii) are correctly reporting wireless business lines based on the address to which a service invoice is sent rather than a separate or third-party address from where payments are processed. Comments are due by April 20, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 5, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/19/09
T-Mobile USA, Inc.: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by T-Mobile for a waiver of the December 30, 2008 line count filing deadline to allow it to receive universal service high-cost support. This petition does not affect the amount of support available to competitive ETCs pursuant to the Interim Cap Order because it does not affect support received in March 2008. Comments are due by April 20, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 5, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/19/09
Centennial Communications Corp. Interim Cap Data Deadline Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Centennial and its subsidiaries seeking a waiver of the December 31, 2008 deadline for submitting to Universal Service Administrative Company changes to the March 2008 data on which interim universal service high-cost capped support is based. Comments are due by April 20, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 5, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/19/09
Eagle Telephone System, Inc. and Midvale Telephone Exchange, Incorporated Study Area Waiver: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a joint petition for waiver of the study area boundary freeze filed by Eagle and Midvale. Eagle and Midvale seek a waiver of the study area boundary freeze to remove territory from Midvale's Idaho study area and recognize such territory as part of Eagle's Oregon study area. Comments are due by April 20, 2009 and reply comments are due by May 5, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/13/09
Leaco Rural Telephone Cooperative Redefinition: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Leaco Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc., pursuant to section 54.207 of the Commission’s rules, requesting the Commission’s agreement with the decision of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to redefine the service areas of certain rural local exchange carriers. Comments are due by April 13, 2009 and reply comments are due by April 28, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | text
3/5/09
Competitive ETC Interim Cap Alaska Native Regions/Tribal Lands Exception Waiver Order: The Commission waives on its own motion the limitation on the availability of uncapped high-cost universal service support for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) serving tribal lands or Alaska Native regions (Covered Locations). Specifically, for the period in which the interim cap is in effect, the Commission waives the restriction in paragraph 33 of the Interim Cap Order limiting the availability of uncapped per line support to competitive ETCs serving Covered Locations "to one payment per each residential account."
Order: Word | PDF | text
2/27/09
U.S. Virgin Islands Telephone Corp. High-Cost Abeyance Request: This letter directs USAC to hold in abeyance until May 31, 2009, any adjustments in universal service fund high-cost loop support for the Virgin Islands Telephone Corporation.
Letter: Word | PDF | text
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