CARRIER RESPONSIBILITIES

To provide Lifeline and Link-Up services, carriers must be designated Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) by their state commission or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission). Under the FCC’s rules, carriers designated as ETCs must:

1) Make Lifeline and Link-Up services available to qualifying low-income consumers; and

2) Publicize the availability of Lifeline and Link-Up services in a manner reasonably designed to reach those likely to qualify for the support.

For more information about how to become an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier and about carrier responsibilities with respect to the Lifeline and Link-Up Programs, please see Part 54 of the FCC’s rules: www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/47cfr54_04.html.

REIMBURSEMENT

Carriers providing Lifeline and Link-Up services will receive universal service support based on the number of low-income consumers they serve.

To receive support for the discounts they provide consumers, carriers must file a Form 497 each quarter with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

For more information about providing low-income support go to: www.universalservice.org/li/.

USAC eligibility requirements: www.universalservice.org/li/telecom/default.aspx

For individual state requirements click on: www.naruc.org/commissions.cfm

Income Eligibility criteria: www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/lllu.html

FCC ORDERS AND NOTICES

Additional information about carrier responsibilities with respect to the Lifeline and Link-Up Programs can be found on the FCC's Low-Income program page at: www.fcc.gov/wcb/tapd/universal_service/lowincome.html.