Data Specifications for Collecting Study Area Boundaries

In this document, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) adopts data specifications for collecting incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC) study area boundaries. The Bureau will use the maps to analyze costs of LECs and determine which LECs are eligible for support to deliver telecommunications and information services in rural and high cost areas, and to implement certain reforms to universal service support. The data will be used as an essential input in a model that determines the level of high cost support for rate of return carriers. The Bureau will also use the data to determine whether unsubsidized competitors offer service within all or a portion of an incumbent LEC's study area, and to phase out support where unsubsidized competitors offer voice and broadband service throughout an entire study area. Commission intends to allocate support among eligible LECs in a manner that best ensures that consumers in rural and high cost area have services and rates that are reasonably comparable to those in urban areas.