Universal Service

The Report and Order released May 8, 1997, promulgates rules implementing the statutory requirements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 relating to universal service. The rules adopted in this Order are intended to promote affordable access to telecommunications and information services to low-income consumers and consumers residing in high cost, rural, and insular regions of the nation. The Order establishes the definition of services to be supported by Federal universal service support mechanisms, carriers eligible for universal service support, and the specific timetable for implementation. The Order modifies existing federal universal service support in the interstate high cost fund, the dial equipment minutes weighting program, long term support, and the Lifeline and Link-Up program. In addition, this Order establishes new universal service support mechanisms for eligible schools and libraries to purchase telecommunications services at discounted rates and eligible rural health care providers to have access to telecommunications services at rates comparable to those in urban areas.