What is the Universal Service Fund (USF)?
All telecom companies are required by the FCC to charge a USF fee. The USF is composed of contributions made from telecommunications companies that fund government programs. Examples of these programs include The High Cost Program, which provides support to Eligible Telecommunications Companies (ETCs) who deliver telecommunications service to customers in all regions of the county. More specifically, High Cost support can be sought by companies providing basic core telephone service to customers in areas of the country that are more costly to service. The Low Income Program helps to make telephone service more affordable for low-income consumers through two national programs, Lifeline and Link-Up. The Rural Health Care Program provides reduced rates to rural Health Care Providers (HCPs) for telecommunication services related to the use of telemedicine and telehealth. The Schools and Libraries Program provides eligible schools and libraries with discounts on eligible telecommunication s
