Digital Television (DTV) Notification

On March 28, 2008, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice announcing the effective date for the new rule requiring ETCs to notify Lifeline customers about the upcoming transition to digital television is March 31, 2008. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2008, ETCs must begin using bill inserts or language on a monthly bill to notify their Lifeline and Link Up customers about the DTV transition. For more information please see the March 19 DTV Important Notice.

High Cost and Low Income Training Session to be held May 8, 2008 in Washington, DC

Learn more about the High Cost and Low Income program rules by attending USAC's upcoming training session.

As part of its outreach initiative, USAC will hold a series of one-day training events for companies that participate in the High Cost and Low Income support programs. These training sessions are designed to provide guidance on High Cost and Low Income program rules, audits and support payment calculations. Company representatives, consultants and attorneys working with eligible telecommunications carriers are invited to attend.

The first High Cost and Low Income Training Session will be held on Thursday, May 8 at USAC's headquarters in Washington, DC. Additional sessions will be held later in 2008 in Chicago, Denver and Dallas.

There is no charge for attending the High Cost and Low Income Training Session. For more information and registration materials please see the Training Events page.

Sample Agenda for May 8 Training Session

Morning (9:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m.)

High Cost and Low Income Program overviews
Understanding the Process of Filing Certifications, Verifications and Line Counts
Disbursement Calculation and Payment Adjustments

LUNCH

Afternoon (1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.)

What to Expect from Audits and Site Visits
Best Practices in Advertising Supported Services
Demonstration of the New High Cost FCC Form 525 On-line Filing

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.

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New SNA Notification Sample Letters

USAC has updated the SNA Notification sample letters in the Required Forms section.

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New High Cost ETC & CETC Information Brochures

USAC has updated and expanded its High Cost brochures. We have a limited number of print copies to distribute upon request, and you can also download soft copies below (PDF).

• Incumbent Carriers [PDF, 623KB]
• Competitive Carriers [PDF, 756KB]

View other brochures

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