What is a Universal Connectivity Charge?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires AT&T and other local and long distance phone companies to pay into the Universal Service Fund. This fund helps provide affordable phone service and gives schools, libraries, and rural healthcare providers access to the Internet. AT&T is recovering its costs for the required payments into this fund through a separate charge on each residential customer's bill. This charge is called the Universal Connectivity Charge. Click here for additional details. ... more