April 2001

Outreach Conference Call Minutes Now Available (4/18/01)

Minutes of the monthly outreach conference call held on April 12, 2001 are now available. View minutes for April 12th Conference Call. View Conference Call schedule.

New Contribution Methodology and Carrier Reporting Requirements (04/09/01)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently modified the Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution methodology to reduce the interval between the accrual of revenues and the assessment of universal service contributions based on those revenues. Currently, contributions to the USF are based on a carrier's interstate and international end-user revenue generated 12 months prior. The new methodology shortens the lag from 12 months to six months.

In order to administer this change, the Order modifies reporting requirements for USF contributors. Going forward, the FCC eliminated the semi-annual September 1 FCC Form 499-S. However, in addition to the annual FCC Form 499-A due each April, four quarterly FCC Form 499-Q worksheets will be filed throughout the year. Form due dates, revenue data reported and invoicing time period are summarized below:

FCC Form 499-Q Due Date:	Revenue Reported on Form:	Utilized to meet USF contributions:
May 11, 2001*	1Q: January - March 2001	July - September 2001
August 1, 2001	2Q: April - June 2001	October - December 2001
November 1, 2001	3Q: July - September 2001	January - March 2002
February 1, 2002	4Q: October - December 2001	April - June 2002
April 1, 2002	Annual: January - December 2001	July 2002 True-up

*For subsequent years, the first quarter revenue reporting will be due on May 1.

Telecommunications providers qualifying for the USF De Minimis Exemption (using process outlined on page 5 of the Form 499-Q instructions) do not need to complete the Form 499-Q. However, for all other USF contributors, the first Form 499-Q must be submitted to USAC by Friday May 11, 2001. We advise each carrier to review the instructions prior to completing the form. The FCC has made significant changes in the format and content of customer information reported.

Funding Year 4 Reminder! (4/03/01)

The Rural Health Care Division began accepting applications for Funding Year 4 on March 26, 2001. The program has not changed for Year 4, but all Year 4 forms have been redesigned. It is important that applicants use the Year 4 forms, otherwise there may be a delay in processing the Forms. View Year 4 Forms.

Conference Call Reminder! (4/03/01)

The RHCD hosts a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service providers on the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The next conference call is scheduled for April 12, 2001. View Conference Call Schedule.

 

Archived Announcements

Below are links to past announcements posted on this web site. Access previous announcements by clicking on a month listed below.