High Cost

Overview of the Process

Wireline and wireless telephone companies seeking to participate in any of the High Cost Program support components must be designated as eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) and follow the steps below as well as meet ongoing requirements for each component.


Applying for High Cost Program Support
Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) can be a combination of either rural or non-rural companies, and "price cap" or "rate-of-return" companies. Applying for these categories determine the type of High Cost support for which an ILEC is eligible. A competitive eligible telecommunications carrier (CETC) receives High Cost support based on the status of the ILEC in whose service area the CETC operates.

Step 1: Understand What is Supported

Step 2: Determine Eligibility

Step 3: Obtain a USAC Service Provider ID Number

Step 4: Filing Requirements

Step 5: File Line Count Data

Step 6: File Certifications

Step 7: Report Revenue (Form 499)


Last modified on 1/11/2008