Competitive Carriers Overview

Reform for CETCs

For competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (CETCs), legacy High Cost Program support was frozen at December 31, 2011, levels. For the first half of 2012, a cap of $250 per line was set in place. Beginning July 2012, a five-year phase down process began. Covered location study areas in Alaska and Standing Rock Telecom have two-year limited exceptions to the phasedown.

As of 2012, except for the study areas in Alaska and Standing Rock Telecom, carriers are no longer required to file line counts or submit the FCC Form 525, due to FCC 11-161.

For all ETCs, the reporting requirements which formerly applied to federally-designated ETCs now apply. In addition, there are new requirements for information on voice/broadband pricing, corporate affiliates, and Tribal outreach.

Competitive wireline and wireless telephone companies operating in the service area(s) of a rural or non-rural incumbent local exchange carrier may be eligible to receive High Cost Program support if they seek and receive designation as a CETC by their state utility regulator or the FCC.

Process Overview

CETCs are eligible to receive universal service support if they provide service using their own facilities, either partially or completely. Pure resellers are not eligible.

A competitive carrier designated as an ETC can receive High Cost Program support that is determined by the number of lines it serves by using its own facilities and the per-line support received by the ILEC location in the service area where the CETC is competing. CETCs must file line count data and certifications as required by each High Cost Program support component.

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