FCC Assigns USAC the Responsibility of Administering the CALLS and Tribal Lands Universal Service Support Mechanism

Eligible Telecommunication Companies ("ETCs") offering Lifeline and Link Up programs on or near reservations must submit information to USAC by September 1 to be eligible to receive additional support for services provided in 2000.

Effective October 1, 2000, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") expanded the Lifeline Programs to allow federal support of up to $32.85 per month to carriers for providing discounted service to low-income consumers located on or near a reservation. In addition the FCC expanded the Link Up Program to allow federal support of up to $100 to reduce the initial connection charges for low-income consumers on or near a reservation.  Read More ...

Terms for Six USAC Board of Directors Expire on December 31, 2000 (9/20/2000)

The USAC Board of Directors represents the diverse stakeholders that participate in the universal service program. The terms of the board are staggered and six terms expire each year. USAC Board seats do not have term limits. Current Board members can seek renomination from their stakeholder group. The USAC By-Laws prescribe the process for nominating or renominating a representative to the USAC Board. Read More ...

FCC Stays Implementation of Lifeline and Link Up For Consumers Living Near Reservations Certifications for Support in 2000 due September 22

The FCC released an Order on August 31, 2000, staying the implementation of recently adopted federal Lifeline and Link Up assistance rule amendments only to the extent that they apply to qualifying low-income consumers living near reservations. This does not affect the implementation of the enhanced Lifeline and Link Up support for qualifying low-income consumers living on reservations. Carriers still must make the enhanced Lifeline and Link Up support available to low-income consumers living on reservations by October 1, 2000.

The Commission has extended until September 22, 2000 the date by which carriers may file data with USAC regarding their provision of eligible services to qualifying low-income consumers living on reservations.

Carriers that do not submit the certification or data to USAC by September 22 will receive additional support for providing enhanced Lifeline and Link Up support to consumers after they submit a revised Form 497 in early 2001. Carriers that file the requested information by September 22 will receive additional support with their regular fourth quarter payments.

The FCC sought additional comment on how to extend the enhanced Lifeline and Link Up measures to qualifying low-income consumers living in areas or communities that are near reservations in a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Parties interested in commenting should submit comments to the FCC by October 12, 2000. Reply Comments are due on October 27, 2000.

Revised Form 497 is Now Available (11/03/2000)

The revised Form 497 is now available on the Program Forms section of the Low-Income homepage. The Form 497, or Lifeline and Link Up worksheet, is used by eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) seeking reimbursement for the Lifeline and Link Up services they provide to qualifying Low-Income subscribers. ETCs should begin using the revised form immediately.

Revisions to the Form 497 were made consistent with changes in the Lifeline and Link Up rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the Tribal Lands Order. See Twelfth Report and Order. Revisions to the form include the addition of sections in which ETCs can report enhanced Lifeline and Link Up services provided to qualifying Low-Income subscribers living on reservations, as well as additional certifications required under FCC rules.