Posts Tagged ‘USAC’
FCC: CETC Revised Line Count Redistribution Procedures Unchanged
Posted on June 7, 2011The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) has sent a letter to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) explaining procedures to be followed when a competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) files revised line count reports with USAC. Specifically, the WCB makes clear that the phase-down of support agreed to by Verizon Wireless and Sprint does not change the process for redistributing support if either carrier submits a revised line count. Competitive ETCs receive support based on the number of lines they serve, subject to the Interim Cap rules. Competitive ETCs often file line count revisions that result in reductions of support for past reporting periods. USAC must then recalculate support for all competitive ETCs based on the revisions as required by the Interim Cap.
FCC Asks USAC for New Process for Disbursing Lifeline Support
Posted on May 17, 2011The FCC’s Office of Managing Director (OMD) has sent a letter to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) instructing it to develop a proposal for disbursing Universal Service Fund Lifeline support to eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) based upon actual claims for reimbursement, instead of projected claims. Currently, support is distributed each month based on a projection calculated by USAC which is based on past disbursements plus a projected growth factor and a true-up. The FCC wants to promote greater accuracy in Lifeline payment processing, and has requested that USAC provide a draft of a new process to OMD within the next ninety days. The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau will then seek public comment on USAC’s proposed process.
USAC Seeks Guidance on Regulatory Classification of Text Messaging
Posted on May 10, 2011The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has sent a letter to Sharon Gillett, Chief of the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) requesting guidance regarding the proper reporting of text messaging revenues. In its letter, USAC states that some carriers are reporting text messaging revenue as telecommunications revenue and are making universal service fund (USF) contributions based on that revenue. However, some carriers are reporting the revenue as non-telecommunications (information service) revenue which is not subject to USF contributions. USAC explains that instructions on the FCC form which is used by carriers to report their revenue supports classifying text messaging as either a telecommunications service or an information service. Further, USAC reminds the FCC that is has not determined the regulatory classification of text messaging and until the issue is cleared-up, carriers will continue to “inconsistently report text messaging revenues.” As a result of the letter, the Bureau has released a Public Notice seeking comment on USAC’s request for guidance. Comments may be filed in WC Docket No. 06-122 on or before June 6, 2011, and reply comments on or before June 20, 2011.
FCC Names New Member to USAC Board of Directors
Posted on April 14, 2011FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has named the Hon. Randy Mitchell to the board of directors of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Mr. Mitchell is a Commissioner on the Public Service Commission of South Carolina. He will serve as the representative for state telecommunications regulators on the USAC board.