The Federal Communications Commission released the full text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on comprehensive Universal Service Fund contribution reform. Our Firm is in the process of digesting the 140-page NPRM. Already, we have identified numerous issues and proposals that are likely to stimulate vibrant debates among service providers, carriers and a variety of consumer constituencies. As a teaser, one of the Commission’s ideas on reforming the Carrier’s Carrier Rule and wholesale verification process would involve the adoption of a European-style “Value-Added Tax” model. The Commission is also investigating whether to restrict or prohibit a service provider’s ability to pass-through USF and other federal regulatory costs through line item surcharges as a means of promoting “fairness and transparency.”
If you would like to receive a Memorandum summarizing and analyzing the key issues, concepts and proposed reforms and regulations being posited by the FCC, please contact Jonathan S. Marashlian at jsm@commlawgroup.com.
The full text is available below:
FCC Reforms Seek Efficient, Fair USF Contribution System.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
FNPR (4/30/12): Word | Acrobat
Genachowski Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
Clyburn Statement: Word | Acrobat
