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| FCC | RIN: 3060-AF85 | Publication ID: Spring 2009 |
| Title: Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act | |
| Abstract: The goals of Universal Service, as mandated by the 1996 Act, are to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates; increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the Nation; advance the availability of such services to all consumers, including those in low income, rural, insular, and high-cost areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas. In addition, the 1996 Act states that all providers of telecommunications services should contribute to Federal universal service in some equitable and nondiscriminatory manner; there should be specific, predictable, and sufficient Federal and State mechanisms to preserve and advance universal service; all schools, classrooms, health care providers, and libraries should, generally, have access to advanced telecommunications services; and finally, that the Federal-State Joint Board and the Commission should determine those other principles that, consistent with the 1996 Act, are necessary to protect the public interest. On April 16, 2007, the Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry, which begins the 5th inquiry under section 706 of the Telecom Act of 96. The Commission seeks comment on various market, investment, and technological trends in order for the Commission to analyze and assess whether infrastructure capable of supporting advanced services is being made available to all Americans. On May 14, 2007, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking where it sought comment on the recommendation of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) that the Commission take immediate action to rein in the explosive growth in high-cost universal service support disbursements. The Commission specifically sought comment on the Joint BoardÂ’s recommendation that the Commission impose an interim, emergency cap on the amount of high-cost support that competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may receive. The Joint Board also recommended that both it and the Commission further explore comprehensive high-cost distribution reform, and sought comment on various reform proposals in a Public Notice released on the same day as the Recommended Decision. On August 29, 2007, the Commission issued a Report and Order where the Commission adopted measures to safeguard the Universal Service Fund from waste, fraud, and abuse as well as measures to improve the management, administration, and oversight of the USF. On November 19, 2007, the Commission issued an Order where the Commission selected participants for the universal service RHC Pilot Program established by the Commission in the 2006 Pilot Program Order. On November 20, 2007, the Joint Board on Universal Service issued a Recommended Decision that recommends the FCC address the long-term reform issues facing the high-cost universal service support system and make fundamental revisions in the structure of existing Universal Service mechanisms. On January 29, 2008, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking where the Commission sought comment on the it's rules governing the amount of high-cost universal service support provided to competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs). On January 29, 2008, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking where the Commission sought comment on the merits of using reverse auctions (a form of competitive bidding) to determine the amount of high-cost universal service support provided to eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) serving rural, insular, and high-cost areas. On January 29, 2008, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking where the Commission sought comment on ways to reform the high-cost universal service program. Specifically, the Commission sought comment on the recommendation of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding comprehensive reform of high-cost universal service support. On May 1, 2008, the Commission issued a Public Notice informing the public that the FCC takes action to cap high-cost support under the universal service fund interim cap that will keep costs down for consumers pending comprehensive reform. On July 31, 2008, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that sought comment on changes to the eligible services list. On September 12, 2008, the Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry where the Commission sought comment on ways to further strengthen management, administration, and oversight of the universal service fund (USF), how to define more clearly the goals of the USF, and to identify any additional quantifiable performance measures that may be necessary or desirable. On November 5, 2008, the Commission issued an Order on Remand, Report and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that addressed compensation rates for ISP-bound traffic, declines to adopt the Joint Board's recommendations for reforming distribution of high-cost universal service support, and sought further comment on comprehensive universal service and intercarrier compensation reform. | |
| Agency: Federal Communications Commission(FCC) | Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant |
| RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions |
| Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
| CFR Citation: 47 CFR 54 | |
| Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 et seq | |
Legal Deadline:
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Timetable:
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| Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes | Government Levels Affected: Undetermined |
| Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions | |
| Included in the Regulatory Plan: No | |
| RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes | |
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Agency Contact: Adrian Wright Telecommunications Policy Analyst Federal Communications Commission Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone:202 418-0792 Email: adrian.wright@fcc.gov |
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