FCC To Review Local Rate Floor

Recipients of High Cost Loop (“HCL”) Support rejoice! Yesterday, the FCC stopped the federally mandated policy widely known as the local “rate floor”. Under this policy, rural rate of return carriers are required to charge a minimum of $18.00 per line per month to maintain full eligibility for HCL. If a carrier is $1.00 per line below this level, it loses $1.00 per line of federal HCL. Absent this action, the rate floor was set to increase to $20.00 per line on July 1st. Chairman Pai noted the flaw in this rule by pointing out that the average rate for basic phone service in Washington DC was $13.78 in 2016. 

CAF/ICC Data Collection Re-Opened

NECA announced that the CAF ICC data collection website is open until May 15th.  During this time carriers should confirm the accuracy of the data they previously submitted.  The revised interstate access rates will be effective on July 1, 2017.  On that same date, corresponding intrastate access rate changes will be effective, but must be filed in advance based on instructions from each state's Public Utility Commission.  If Zingaretti Enterprises submitted your company's preliminary CAF/ICC data we will (1) prepare calculations to illustrate the impact of any rate changes and each company's anticipated CAF/ICC projected support, and (2) work with state associations to file revised intrastate switched access rates.  Should you have any questions, contact Gary at 570-371-3527.   

A-CAM Model Election Deadline

The A-CAM model election deadline has passed. If you selected the model support you now must wait for revised support calculations. The FCC’s Wireline Bureau will determine if adequate funding is available to accommodate all those carriers that elected the model-based support. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Lifeline Customers

Changes are coming in the Lifeline arena…are you ready? Beginning December 2, 2016, lifeline customers will be able to use their benefit on either fixed/mobile broadband or voice service. Companies will need to familiarize themselves with the new rules addressing eligibility, service standards, and recertification. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Welcome

Welcome to the Zingaretti Enterprises Blog. Here you can find the latest updates on state and federal regulatory updates. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..