Guidance for CETCs Serving "Covered Locations"

On May 27, 2009, the FCC published DA 09-1157, "Small Entity Compliance Guide: Interim Cap on High-Cost Universal Service Support for Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carriers." This document set forth how a CETC must file its line count data in order to comply with the covered locations exception to the interim cap on high cost support:

• Guidance for CETCs

Understanding High Cost and Low Income Audits Webinars

• Register Today

IAS Line Count Filings Due June 30, 2009

IAS Line Count Filings Due June 30, 2009 All price-cap carriers and CETCs serving lines in the service area of a price-cap carrier, or their agent(s), are required to file line counts for Interstate Access Support (IAS) with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) on a quarterly basis.

2Q09IASline [pdf, 136kb]

IAS Annual Self-Certifications Due June 30, 2009

IAS Annual Self-Certifications Due June 30, 2009 Each price cap carrier, and CETCs serving lines in the service area of a price cap carrier, must file an annual self-certification by June 30, 2009 in order to receive Interstate Access Support (IAS) for the upcoming program year, which runs from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

2Q09IAScert [pdf, 141kb]

ICLS Annual Self-Certifications are Due June 30, 2009

ICLS Annual Self-Certifications are Due June 30, 2009 Each rate-of-return carrier, and CETCs serving lines in the service area of a rate-of-return carrier, must file an annual self-certification by June 30, 2009 in order to receive Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS) for the upcoming program year, which runs from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

2Q09ICLScert [pdf, 141kb]

ICLS Revisions to Form 508 Projections Due June 30, 2009

ICLS Revisions to Form 508 Projections Due June 30, 2009 Incumbent rate-of-return carriers are permitted to submit a correction to their March 31, 2009 FCC Form 508 (Projected Annual Carrier Common Line Revenue Requirement Form) and supporting data until June 30, 2009 for the upcoming Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS) program year which runs from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

2Q09_508 [pdf, 137kb]

March 2008 CETC Baseline Information Available

USAC has made publicly available the March 2008 CETC baseline information consistent with FCC Order 08-122.

CETC Cap March 2008 Baseline Report (XLS, 180kb)

The attached spreadsheet has three tabs:

1. Monthly CETC support amount for the March 2008 baseline by state
2. Monthly CETC support amount for March 2008 baseline by component by study area by state
3. Monthly CETC support amount and lines for the March 2008 baseline by component by study area by state

If any carriers have questions or inquiries concerning the CETC March 2008 support baseline, please send them to . This email address was established specifically for this purpose and USAC will monitor this mailbox and respond to all inquiries. In addition, USAC will keep a listing of all potential changes to the March 2008 baseline for review with the Commission.

NEW High Cost Tool: Wire Center - UNE Zone Mapping

In an effort to provide easier access to data required for accurate filing of competitive line counts, the Wire Center - UNE Zone Mapping tool is now available on the USAC website. It can be found under High Cost Tools on the left hand side toolbar and provides for multiple search criteria to locate data.

New Email Addresses for Designation Orders and Certifications

State Regulatory Commissions, Carriers, and Agents:

You may notify USAC of new or changed designation orders via email to expedite their processing. You may also submit certifications this way. Please make sure the scanned certifications are signed or they will not be considered effective.

Designation Orders:  
Certifications:  

Change to Administrative Practices Regarding Line Count Revisions by Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (CETCs). All CETCs, or their agents, are required to file line counts with USAC using Form 525 on a quarterly basis.

Beginning January 1, 2007, CETCs may only submit line count revisions no later than twenty-four (24) months after the initial line count filing.  For example, line counts submitted on September 30, 2006 as of March 31, 2006 may be revised up to September 30, 2008.  This change is being made to ensure that line count revision practices are the same for both incumbent carriers and CETCs.  The change in practice will also ease USAC’s administrative burden as well as ensure that carriers are paid promptly on their line count revisions. 

In the event that CETCs do make line count revisions within the twenty-four (24) month window discussed above, USAC will determine the timing of payment processing or recovery based on the CETC line count revision.  When a line count revision significantly increases prior period payments for a CETC, USAC may postpone payment of the prior period adjustment caused by the line count revision until such time that the amount can be included in the USAC quarterly demand projection filing made with the FCC.  Under the preceding circumstance, the prior period adjustment for the line count revision will be paid by USAC to the CETC in the calendar quarter for which the demand projection was filed with the FCC. 

If you have any questions, please call the USAC High Cost Customer Service Center at 1-877-877-4925.

Top of page