High Cost
About High Cost:
- Overview of the Program
- Overview of the Process
- USAC FCC Filings
- Training Events
- Site Visits
- Understanding Audits
- Understanding Disaggregation
- Filing Appeals
- Red Light Status (FCC site)
- Requesting Confidential Information
High Cost Tools:
2008 News Archive
Below are current news announcements relevant to the High Cost Program. You can access previous announcements by clicking the latest news archive.
Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (CETCs) must file Quarterly Line Counts
All CETCs, or their agents, are required to file line counts with USAC using Form 525 on a quarterly basis.
- 3Q08-CETC [pdf, 60kb]
Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) must file Quarterly Line Counts
All incumbent ETCs, or their agents, with a competitive ETC (CETC) filing line counts in their service area(s) are required to file line counts with USAC or the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) on a quarterly basis.
- 3Q08-ILEC [pdf, 63kb]
Local Switching Support (LSS) Projections are due by October 1, 2008
Incumbent Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) serving study areas with 50,000 or fewer access lines must file projections for LSS no later than October 1, 2008 to receive LSS in calendar year 2009 per Part 54.301(b).
- 3Q08-LSS [pdf, kb]
Federally-Designated ETCs Must Submit Annual Reports by October 1st
Section 54.209 of the Commission’s rules provides that an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) designated by the Commission under section 214(e)(6) shall file annual reports.
- 3Q214e6-Oct_1 [pdf, 60kb]
Non-Rural & Rural Use and Rate Comparability Certifications due by October 1
This is a courtesy reminder from USAC regarding the October 1 deadlines for non-rural & rural use certifications and rate comparability certifications.
- 3QWeb-Oct_1_08 [pdf, 75kb]
ILECs: HCL, LSS, HCM, and ICLS Line Count Filings are Due July 31, 2008
Incumbent carriers must file line count data for High Cost Loop (HCL), Local Switching Support (LSS), High Cost Model (HCM), and Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS) by July 31, 2008. This deadline is for lines served as of December 31, 2007. Incumbent carriers must file line counts consistent with the disaggregation path selected.
CETCs: HCL, LSS, HCM, and ICLS Line Count Filings are Due July 31, 2008
Competitive carriers must file line count data for High Cost Loop (HCL), Local Switching Support (LSS), High Cost Model (HCM), and Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS) by July 31, 2008. This deadline is for lines served as of December 31, 2007. Competitive carriers must file line counts consistent with the disaggregation path selected by the incumbent carrier(s) in whose service area(s) they serve lines.
ICLS Revisions to Form 508 Projections are Due June 30, 2008
Incumbent rate-of-return carriers are permitted to submit a correction to their March 31, 2008 FCC Form 508 (Projected Annual Carrier Common Line Revenue Requirement Form) and supporting data until June 30, 2008 for the upcoming Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS) program year which runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Additionally, on June 30, 2008, carriers are permitted to submit an update to the projected data for the funding year ending on June 30, 2008 (i.e., July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008).
IAS Line Count Filings are Due June 30, 2008
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.
ICLS Annual Self-Certifications are Due June 30, 2008
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, 2008 in order to receive Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS) for the upcoming program year, which runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
IAS Annual Self-Certifications are Due June 30, 2008
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, 2008 in order to receive Interstate Access Support (IAS) for the upcoming program year, which runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
Save the Date – High Cost and Low Income Training Sessions in Chicago, Denver, and Dallas
Learn more about the High Cost and Low Income program rules by attending USAC's upcoming training sessions in Chicago, Denver, and Dallas.
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.
Who Should Attend
Company representatives, consultants and attorneys working with eligible telecommunications carriers
Training Dates
Midwest Training – Chicago, IL
July 22, 2008
West Training – Denver, CO
September 10, 2008
South Central Training – Dallas, TX
November 19, 2008
More details regarding training registration and hotel accommodations will be available within the coming weeks. Please continue to check our website for more information.
Training Overview
Morning (8:30 a.m until 12:00 p.m.)
- High Cost and Low Income Program overviews
- Understanding the Process of Filing Certifications, Verifications and Line Counts
- Understanding Projections, Disbursement Calculations, and Post-Disbursement Adjustments for High Cost and Low Income
LUNCH
Afternoon (1:00 p.m. until 4:30 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
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
