About High Cost:

• Overview of the Program
• Overview of the Process
• Site Visits
• Training Events
•  
• Filing Appeals
• Red Light Status (FCC site)
• Requesting Confidential Information
• Understanding Audits
• Understanding Disaggregation
•  
• USAC FCC Filings

High Cost Tools:

• Required Forms
• Filing Requirements and Deadlines
•  
• High Cost Maps IAS
• HCM CLLI Tool
• Disaggregation Maps
• Disaggregation Checklist
•  
• Disbursement Data Search
• Certification Search
•  
• Latest News
• Program Compliance - Whistleblower Hotline
• Submitting A Complaint

Step 4: Local Switching Support (LSS)

Local Switching Support (LSS) is available to rural incumbent carriers serving 50,000 lines or fewer (mostly rate-of-return and some price-cap carriers) as well as competitive carriers providing service in the areas of these rural companies.

Filing Requirements

Required Data Filings

Rural incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) serving 50,000 or fewer lines may submit a projection for LSS. LSS projections are due on October 1 each year for support in the following year. Rural ILECs also must submit LSS "true-up" information each December 31 for the preceding calendar year.

A "cost company" serving 50,000 lines or fewer must submit the Local Switching Support Reporting Worksheet for Cost Companies (Form LSSc) in order to qualify for local switching support. An "average schedule" company must submit the Local Switching Support Reporting Worksheet for Average Schedule Companies (Form LSSa) in order to qualify for LSS. The same forms are used for LSS projections and true-ups. The forms can be found on the High Cost Forms page.

Required Line Count Filings

Required Certification Filings
State regulator certification requirement

If an ETC is not subject to state jurisdiction, it may file a self-certification directly with USAC and the FCC. Filing requirements