Current and prior contribution factor Public Notices are now posted on the FCC's Office of Managing Director's Website.

Contribution Factor: Telecommunications companies must pay a percentage of their interstate end-user revenues to the Universal Service Fund. This percentage is called the contribution factor. The contribution factor changes four times a year (quarterly) and is increased or decreased depending on the needs of the Universal Service programs. The FCC's Office of the Managing Director manages the quarterly Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution factor process and lists current and past contribution factors on its Contribution Factor & Quarterly Filings Website.

Quarterly Administrative Filings: Quarterly Administrative filings are submitted each quarter to the FCC by the Universal Service Administrator. The quarterly administrative filings contain information about the needs of the Universal Service fund in the upcoming quarter. The FCC uses this information to calculate the contribution factor.

• Click on the "USAC Website" link in the left-hand column entitled Administrative Filings to view Quarterly Administrative Filings.

• CTE Telecom, LLC: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review by CTE Telecom, LLC of a USAC decision, in which, as a result of an audit, USAC determined that CTE inaccurately designated certain USF contribution revenues as enhanced services, instead of DSL services. Comments are due October 17, 2008, and reply comments are due November 3, 2008.
  Public Notice: Word | Acrobat 9/17/08


• NextGen Telephone: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request for review by NextGen Telephone of a USAC decision, in which, as a result of an audit, USAC determined that NextGen should report subscriber line charges as interstate revenue subject to USF contribution. Comments are due October 17, 2008, and reply comments are due November 3, 2008.
  Public Notice: Word | Acrobat 9/17/08


• Waterway Communication System, LLC and Mobex Network Services, LLC. In this order, WCB denies a request for review filed by Maritime Communications/Land Mobile, LLC (Maritime) on behalf of Waterway Communication System, LLC (Waterway) and Mobex Network Services, LLC (Mobex). Maritime seeks review of USAC’s decision denying Watercom’s and Mobex’s request for refund of $1.3 million in USF contributions. Maritime asserts that the Commission’s rules do not require maritime radio service providers to contribute to USF, and that USAC should, therefore, refund the monies Watercom and Mobex previously paid into the USF. Word | Acrobat 8/26/2008
  
  
  
• Level 3 Form 499A. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by Level 3 seeking review of a decision by USAC, or, in the alternative, a petition for waiver to expedite processing of Level 3’s revised 2007 FCC Form 499-A filing. Level 3 also filed a petition seeking a stay of USAC’s decision to calculate Level 3’s annual true-up amount based on its original FCC Form 499-A filing. Level 3 also filed a motion for waiver of public notice. Comments are due September 10, 2008, and reply comments are due September 17, 2008. Word | Acrobat 8/26/2008
  
  
  
• Compass Global, Inc.. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request filed by Compass Global, Inc. seeking review and reversal of a decision by USAC, in which USAC found that Compass Global had failed to timely file revisions to its 2005 and 2006 FCC Forms 499-A. Comments are due September 19, 2008, and reply comments are due October 6, 2008. Word | Acrobat 8/20/2008
  
  
  
• Airband Communications, Inc.. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Airband Communications, Inc.'s request for review of a universal service fund contribution decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company. Comments are due September 8, 2008, and reply comments are due September 23, 2008. Word | Acrobat 8/6/2008
  
  
  
• InterCall, Inc.. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Global Conference Partners, A+ Conferencing Ltd., Free Conferencing Corporation, and The Conference Group's petitions for reconsideration and clarification of the Commission's InterCall Order. Comments are due September 8, 2008, and reply comments are due September 22, 2008. Word | Acrobat 8/8/2008
  
  
  
• IDT Request for Review Public Notice. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on IDT Corporation and IDT Telecom’s request for review of a universal service fund contribution decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company. Word | Acrobat 8/6/2008
  
  
  
• Audio Bridging FCC Form 499-Q Filing Date Public Notice. The Wireline Competition Bureau provides notice of the August 1st FCC Form 499-Q filing date for audio bridging service providers, pursuant to the InterCall Order. Word | Acrobat 7/17/2008
  
  
  
• Public Notice. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Achieve Telecom Networks seeking review and reversal of a decision by USAC in which USAC denied Achieve's request to accept its amended FCC Form 499-Q. Comments on the petition are due August 11, 2008 and reply comments are due August 25, 2008. Word | Acrobat 7/11/2008
  
  
  
• Public Notice. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Sage Telecom, Inc. and Sage Telecom of Texas, L.P., seeking waiver of the requirement that USAC calculate the universal service annual contribution true-up for under-projections based on the average of the two highest contribution factors, and that USAC calculate the true-up for over-projections based on the average of the two lowest contribution factors. Comments on the petition are due August 7, 2008 and reply comments are due August 21, 2008. Word | Acrobat 7/8/2008
  
  
  
• InterCall, Inc.. In this order, the FCC denies in part and grants in part a request for review filed by InterCall, Inc. of a Universal Service Administrative Company decision finding that the audio bridging services offered by InterCall are “toll teleconferencing” services and that InterCall must contribute directly to the universal service fund based on revenues from these services. Word | Acrobat 6/30/2008
  
  
  
• Aventure Communication Technology, LLC. The Wireline Competition Bureau, based on the unique circumstances presented, grants an appeal filed by Aventure Communication Technology, LLC requesting reversal of a decision by USAC to reject a late-filed revision to its FCC Form 499-Q. Word | Acrobat 6/26/2008
  
  
  
• InterCall USAC Abeyance Letter. The Wireline Competition Bureau directed USAC to hold in abeyance until July 1, 2008 its universal service contribution decision regarding InterCall, Inc. Word | Acrobat 6/19/2008
  
  
  
• Cox Communications Contribution Order. The Wireline Competition Bureau grants an appeal filed by Cox Communications, Inc., requesting reversal of a decision by USAC to disallow Cox’s use of VoIP revenue allocation methodology to determine interstate revenues for universal service contribution purposes. Word | Acrobat 6/4/2008
  
  
  
• Public Notice. This Public Notice seeks comment on Ascent Media Group's (Ascent) request for review and reversal of a decision by USAC, in which USAC denied Ascent’s request to accept its amended August 2007 FCC Form 499-Q after the 45-day FCC Form 499-Q revision window. Ascent asserts that it inadvertently included its total projected revenue in place of its projected billed universal service fund revenues on the FCC Form 499-Q. Comments on the petition are due by May 13, 2008, and reply comments are due by May 20, 2008. Word | Acrobat 4/29/2008
  
  
  
• Order on Reconsideration. In this Order, the Commission denies the Petition filed by the CTIA – The Wireless Association seeking extension to all similarly-situated Universal Service Fund (USF) contributors of the relief granted to three USF contributors in the Commission’s 2004 True-Up Waiver Order, which addressed the true-up process for 2003 USF contributions. Word | Acrobat 4/28/2008
  
  
  
• Order. The Wireline Competition Bureau dismisses appeal of 360networks (USA), Inc. seeking refund of late payment fees related to universal service fund contributions. Word | Acrobat 4/23/2008
  
  
  
• Central Atlantic Pennsylvania Payphone Association. The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the Central Atlantic Pennsylvania Payphone Association's (CAPA) petition for clarification, or, in the alternative, reconsideration of the Commission's APCC Reconsideration Order. CAPA is seeking refunds from local exchange carriers for universal service fees paid by independent payphone providers. Comments on the petition are due by May 14, 2008, and reply comments are due by May 29, 2008. Word | Acrobat 4/14/2008
  
  
  
• Order on Reconsideration. The Commission denies petitions for reconsideration of universal service fund (USF) contribution obligations adopted in the Fifth Circuit Remand Order. Reconfirms Commercial Mobile Radio Services providers may recover USF contributions through rates charged for all services; declines to reconsider the Limited International Revenues Exception; and denies requests for refunds of universal service contributions. Word | Acrobat 4/11/2008
  
  
  
• InterCall, Inc. On February 1, 2008, InterCall filed a Request for Review of USAC’s decision, and on February 5, 2008, InterCall requested that the Commission stay the same decision. InterCall’s Request for Review raises questions regarding USF contribution obligation policies for stand-alone audio bridging service providers, as well as unique questions concerning the scope of USAC’s authority in making its decision. In light of the questions raised in this proceeding, the Wireline Competition Bureau instructs USAC to hold in abeyance for 90 days its decision against InterCall, pending further Commission action. Word | Acrobat 3/19/2008
  
  
  
• Order on Reconsideration In this Order, the Commission grants the petition for reconsideration filed by American Public Communications Council (APCC), finding that application of the Centrex-adjusted portion of the universal service line item to payphone service providers would be inconsistent with Congress’ direction in section 276(b) of the Act. Word | Acrobat 2/14/2008
  
  
  
• Public Notice The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Intercall, Inc.’s (Intercall's) request for review of a decision by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and petition for stay. On February 1, 2008, Intercall filed a request seeking review and reversal of a USAC decision, in which USAC ruled that Intercall’s audio bridging services are toll teleconferencing services, requiring Intercall to submit FCC Form 499 filings to USAC. On February 5, 2008, Intercall filed a petition requesting that the Commission stay USAC’s decision pending the Commission’s review. Comments are due February 25, 2008 and reply comments are due March 3, 2008. Word | Acrobat 2/14/2008
  
  
  
• Universal Service Contribution Methodology, Erratum On January 24, 2008, the Commission released an Order (FCC 07-231). This Erratum corrects that document. Word | Acrobat 2/1/2008
  
  
  
• Declaratory Order In this Order, the Commission addresses petitions filed by CTIA-The Wireless Association (CTIA) and Cingular Wireless, LLC, seeking clarification of the definition of “toll services” for purposes of determining contribution obligations to the federal universal service fund (USF or Fund). The Commission grants both petitions to the extent that they ask the Commission to declare that the definition of “toll services” discussed in the 2006 Contribution Methodology Order is the definition to be used on the FCC Form 499 for reporting the revenues derived from toll service charges. The Commission also addresses CTIA’s request to clarify how wireless carriers should allocate toll service revenues to the interstate and international jurisdiction. In particular, the Commission clarifies that, to the extent a Fund contributor (including wireless and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers) uses a traffic study or studies to determine its contribution obligations, such traffic study or studies must specifically account for the interstate or international nature of toll service revenues. Word | Acrobat 1/24/2008

• Order Berkmont Communications Corporation et al. The Wireline Competition Bureau granted 10 requests for reversal of late fees associated with the filing of the FCC Form 499-A for 2007. We further direct the Universal Service Administrative Company and the other plan administrators to reverse any late payment fees that have been assessed on the applicants. Word | Acrobat 12/12/2007

• Order Oblio Telecom, Inc. In this Order, at the request of Oblio Telecom, Inc. (Oblio), Telecommunications Access Policy Division dismisses with prejudice Oblio’s petition for declaratory ruling regarding the universal service certification process between resellers and their underlying carriers. Word | Acrobat 11/6/2007

• Public Notice The Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Office of Management and Budget approval of the revised 2007 Federal Communications Commission Forms 499-A, 499-Q, and accompanying instructions. Word | Acrobat 9/21/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau denied the appeal filed by Radiant Telecom, Inc. seeking review of the Universal Service Administrative Company's Decision on Contributor Appeal. Word | Acrobat 7/2/2007

• Order In this Order, pursuant to section 1.429 of the Commission’s rules, we dismiss the Expedited Petition to Reduce or Adjust the Proposed Fourth Quarter Contribution Factor filed by WilTel Communications, LLC (“WilTel”). Specifically, we find that the Petition was untimely filed. Word | Acrobat 5/11/2007

• Order The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) denies the request for review filed by i-Tel Long Distance a/k/a Impact Telecommunications, Inc. (i-Tel) of two Administrator’s Decisions on Contributor Appeal. In its request, i-Tel alleges that qualifies for de minimis status and, thus, is not subject to universal service contributions. The Bureau finds that i-Tel did qualify for de minimis status for the billing periods at issue and affirms the Administrator’s Decisions. Word | Acrobat 4/10/2007

• Order The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) dismisses in part and denies in part a request for review of a USAC administrator decision filed by National Network Communications, Inc. National Network alleges that it qualifies for de minimis status and, thus, is not subject to universal service contributions. The Bureau finds that National Network was eligible for the de minimis exemption for the billing period January – December 2002, but, pursuant to the true-up process, has already received relief for this time period. The Bureau also finds that National Network was not eligible for the de minimis exemption for the billing periods January – December 2000 and January – December 2001. Word | Acrobat 4/10/2007

• Public Notice Wireline Competition bureau Announces OMB Approval of the 2007 FCC Form 499-A. On December 18, 2006, the Federal Communications Commission sought approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the information collection for the revised FCC Form 499-A, 499-Q and accompanying instructions. On March 19, 2007, FCC received OMB approval. Word | Acrobat 3/19/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) dismiss as moot the request for review of action taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company filed by Advantage Telecommunications Corp.. Word | Acrobat 3/16/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) deny the request for review of a decision taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company or the Administrator filed by WorldxChange Corp. Word | Acrobat 3/16/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) deny the request for review of action taken by the Universal Service Administrative Company filed by Telco Group Inc.. Word | Acrobat 3/16/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) deny Allegheny Telephone Company appeal of the Administrator's Decision on Contributor Appeal by the Universal Service Administrative Company. Word | Acrobat 3/16/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) deny the petitions filed by American Telecommunication Systems, Inc. (ATS), Equivoice, Inc., (Equivoice), Eureka Broadband Corporation (Eureka), TON Services, Inc. (TON) and Value-Added Communications, Inc. (VAC), collectively Petitioners. Petitioners, all resellers of telecommunication services, challenge the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC’s or Administrator’s) decisions not to recognize the Universal Service Fund (USF or Fund) contributions which Petitioners contend that they made indirectly through underlying carriers. The time periods at issue vary by case, but all fall within the years 1999-2003. For the reasons set forth below we deny the petitions and direct that all outstanding payments, including late fees, penalties, or other monies owed be made not later than 30 days from release of this Order. Word | Acrobat 3/14/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) deny the request filed by Big River Telephone Company, LLC seeking review of the Decision on Contributor Appeal issued by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC or the Administrator). Specifically, Big River Challenges the Administrator's application of adjustments posted to Big River's account and reflected on its July, August, and September 2002 invoices. We affirm the Administrator's Decision. Word | Acrobat 3/14/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) deny requests for review filed by ABS-CBN, SCI and TNCI. Word | Acrobat 3/14/2007

• Order In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) deny the petitions filed by American Cyber Corp.; Coleman Enterprises, Inc.; Inmark, Inc., d/b/a Preferred Billing; Lotel, Inc., d/b/a Coordinated Billing; and Protel Advantage, Inc. seeking review of the Universal Service Administrative Company's Decision on Conitributor Appeal. Word | Acrobat 3/12/2007

• Public Notice Wireline Competition Bureau Reminds De Minimis Telecommunications Providers of Certain FCC Registration, Reporting, an Contribution Requirements. The Federal Communications Commission requires telecommunications providers to register with the Commission, comply with periodic reporting requirements, and contribute to certain regulatory programs. In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau reminds telecommunications providers that are considered "de minimis" under the Commission's rules of how these requirements apply to them. Word | Acrobat 1/31/2007

• Public Notice On July 27, 2006, Wireline Competition Bureau Streamlines Reporting Requirements for Interconnected VoIP Providers and Announces OMB Approval of New FCC Forms 499-A and 499-Q. Word | Acrobat 07/27/2006

• Universal Service Contribution Methodology Erratum On June 27, 2006, the Commission released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Propose Rulemaking (FCC 06-94), this Erratum corrects that document. Word | Acrobat 7/18/06 | Word | Acrobat 7/10/06



• Report and Order and Notice of Propose Rulemaking On June 27, 2006, the Commission released a Report and Order and Notice of Propose Rulemaking making interim modifications to the existing approach for assessing contributions to the federal universal service fund in order to provide stability while we continue to examine more fundamental reform. (CC DKT NOS. 96-45, 98-171, 92-237, 99-200, 95-116, and 98-170; WC DKT NOS. 06-122 and 04-36: FCC 06-94). Word | Acrobat 7/10/06




• News Release On June 21, 2006, FCC Updates Approach for Assessing Contributions to the Federal Universal Service Fund. (Docket Nos. 06-122, 04-36, 96-45, 98-171, 90-571, 92-237, 99-200, 95-116, 98-170). 06/21/2006
  News Release: Word | Acrobat
  Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
  McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat

• Order On March 1, 2005 the Wireline Competition Bureau released an Order denying Atlantic Digital, Inc.'s appeal of an Administrator's Decision issued by the Universal Service Administration Company assessing late fees on two of its filings. (Dkt. No. CC 96-45: DA 05-520). Word | Acrobat 3/1/05

• Order On October 29, 2004 the Wireline Competition Bureau released an Order denying a petition for reconsideration filed by Business Service Center, Inc., Mobile Phone of texas, Inc., and 3 Rivers PCS, Inc. (Collectively, the "Small Wireless Carrier Group") currently pending before the Federal Communications Commission. (Dkt.No. CC 96-45; FCC 04-260). Word | Acrobat 10/29/04

• Memorandum Opinion and Order On October 29, 2004 the Commission released a Memorandum Opinion and Order granting Verizon Hawaii, Inc.’s (formerly GTE Hawaiian Telephone Company) Application for Review of a decision by the Accounting and Audits Division of the Common Carrier Bureau made on delegated authority, which granted Sandwich Isles Communications, Inc. a waiver to be treated as an incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC) serving a previously unserved area for purposes of receiving high-cost universal service support. Consistent with Commission precedent, the Order requires that Sandwich Isles seek and obtain a study area waiver in order to be treated as an incumbent LEC for purposes of receiving universal service support.">Word | Acrobat 10/29/04

• Order On September 8, 2004 the Wireline Competition Bureau released an order dismissing five petitions for waiver pertaining to the calculation of universal service contributions. Since these petitions were filed, the Commission has addressed each of these issues in the relevant rulemaking proceedings.(Dkt.No. CC 96-45; DA 04-2898). Word | Acrobat 9/8/04

• Order and Second Order on Reconsideration On March 14, the Commission released an Order and Second Order on Reconsideration addressing petitions for interim waiver and several petitions for reconsideration of rules recently adopted in the Interim Contribution Methodology Order regarding the assessment and recovery of contributions to the federal universal service support mechanisms. (Dkt. No. CC 96-45; FCC 03-58). Word | Acrobat | Text 3/14/02

• Order and Second FNPRM. On December 13, the Commission released an order modifying the universal service contribution methodology and seeking further comment on three connection-based proposals. (Dkt. No. CC 96-45; FCC 02-329). Word | Acrobat | Text 12/9/02

• NPRM. On Feb. 15, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the regulatory classification of telephone-based broadband Internet access services. The Commission tentatively concluded that wireline broadband Internet access service is an information service with a telecommunications component. The Notice also seeks comment on whether providers of broadband Internet access should be required to contribute to universal service. (Dkt. No. CC 02-33, 95-20, 98-10; FCC 02-42). Word | Acrobat | Text 2/15/02

• FNPRM. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on a Connection-Based System to Provide Certainty, Reduce Administrative Costs and Avoid Marketplace Distortions. The FCC took further steps toward reform of the system for assessment and recovery of USF contributions. (Dkt No. 96-45,98-171, 90-571, 92-239, 99-200; FCC No. 02-43). News Release 2/14/02 | Word | Acrobat

• Order. The Commission released an order denying USTA's petition for reconsideration of the Contribution Interval Order modifying the methodology used to assess contributions that carriers make to the federal universal service support mechanisms.(Dkt No. CC-96-45, Released 11/6/01) FCC-01-321 Acrobat | Text

• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on how to streamline and simplify both the manner in which the Commission assesses carrier contributions to the universal service fund and the manner in which carriers may recover those costs from their customers. CC Docket Nos. 96-45, 98-171, 90-571, 92-237, 99-200, 95-116, FCC 01-145 Text | Word 5/8/01

• Public Notice. The Commission released a Public Notice announcing OMB Approval for Form 499-Q. DA 01-829 Text | Word 4/6/01

• Order. The Commission released an order modifying the contribution methodology to reduce the interval between the accrual of revenues and the assessment of universal service contributions based on those revenues. CC Docket No. 96-45, FCC 01-85 Text | Word Text Attachment A: FCC Form 499-Q Word Attachment A: FCC Form 499-Q 3/14/01