Getting Started

Process Overview

Wireline and wireless telephone companies seeking to participate in any of the High Cost Program support components must be designated as eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) as well as meet ongoing requirements for each component.

Applying for High Cost Program Support

Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) can be a combination of either rural or non-rural companies, and "price cap" or "rate-of-return" companies. Applying for these categories determine the type of High Cost support for which an ILEC is eligible. A competitive eligible telecommunications carrier (CETC) receives High Cost support based on the status of the ILEC in whose service area the CETC operates.

What are the steps in the process?

Incumbent Carriers Step 1: What is Supported Step 2: Eligibility Step 3: Obtain a SPIN Step 4: Filing Requirements Step 5: File Line Counts Step 6: File Certifications Step 7: Disaggregation Plans Step 8: Report Revenue

Competitive Carriers Step 1: What is Supported Step 2: Eligibility Step 3: Obtain a SPIN Step 4: Filing Requirements Step 5: File Line Counts Step 6: File Certifications Step 7: Report Revenue

State Commissions Step 1: New ETC Notification Step 2: Non-rural Use Certification Step 3: Rural Use Certification Step 4: Rate Comparability Review