Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service

2015

• 9/22/2015
  Talberg USF Joint Board Appointment Order:Appoints the Honorable Sally Talberg, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word PDF

2014

• 10/17/2014
  Brise USF Joint Board Appointment Order: FCC appoints the Honorable Ronald A. Brisé, Commissioner, Florida Public Service Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word PDF
• 8/7/2014
  USF Joint Board Contributions Referral Order: FCC requests the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to provide recommendations on how the Commission should modify the universal service contribution methodology.
  Word PDF
• 7/30/2014
  USF Joint Board Appointment Order: FCC appoints Elin Swanson Katz, Connecticut Consumer Counsel, on behalf of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word PDF
• 6/3/2014
  ETS Telephone Company (formerly Kingsgate Telephone) Study Area Order: Granted in part and denied in part a petition filed by ETS Telephone Company, Inc.
  Word PDF
• 2/7/2014
  Joint Board Appointments Order: Appointed the Honorable Stephen Michael Bloom and the Honorable Chris Nelson to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, and the Honorable Sally Talberg to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
  Word PDF

2013

• 1/31/2013
  New Members to Joint Boards and Joint Conference: The Commission appoints the Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, and the Honorable Ajit Pai, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. Commissioner Rosenworcel shall serve as federal chair of the Universal Service Joint Board.
  Word PDF

2012

• 4/5/2012
  Joint Board Appointment: The Commission appoints William Levis, Colorado Consumer Counsel, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word PDF
• 2/2/2012
  Joint Board Appointment: The Commission appoints the Honorable Randy Mitchell, Commissioner of the South Carolina Public Service Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word PDF

2011

• 2/10/11
  Order: The Honorable Anne C. Boyle, Commissioner, Nebraska Public Service Commission, Appointed to Serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat
• 2/10/11
  Public Notice: On February 17, 2011, State Members of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) will hold a workshop to assist in the preparation of their joint comments in response to the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on modernizing and streamlining its universal service and intercarrier compensation policies adopted at the Commission’s February 8, 2011 Open Meeting.
  Word | Acrobat

2010

• 12/2/2010
  Order: In this order, the Commission grants a request from Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. (GRTI), a Tribally-owned incumbent local exchange company serving the Gila River Indian Community, to waive sections 36.3, 36.123-126, 36.152-157, and 36.372-382 of the Commission’s rules to unfreeze GRTI's category relationships.
  Word | Acrobat
• 11/4/10
  Recommended Decision: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service agrees that universal service programs need to better serve low-income participants and support broadband service.
  News Release: Word | Acrobat
  Recommended Decision: Word | Acrobat
  FCC Commissioner Clyburn (Joint Board Chair): Word | Acrobat
  FCC Commissioner Copps: Word | Acrobat
  FCC Commissioner Baker: Word | Acrobat
  Chairman Ray Baum: Word | Acrobat
  Commissioner Larry S. Landis: Word | Acrobat
  Board Member John D. Burke: Word | Acrobat
  Chairman James H. Cawley: Word | Acrobat
  Senior Assistant Attorney General Simon Ffitch: Word | Acrobat
• 6/15/2010
  Public Notice: Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Seeks Comment on Lifeline and Link-Up Eligibility, Verification, and Outreach Issues Referred to Joint Board.
  Word | Acrobat
• 1/27/2010
  Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable James H. Cawley, Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat

2009

• 12/17/2009
  Order: This order appoints Commissioners Clyburn and Baker to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Federal-State Joint Board on Separations, and appoints the two commissioners and Chairman Genachowski to the Federal-State Joint Conference on Advanced Telecommunications Services.
  Word | Acrobat
• 9/23/2009
  Public Notice and Letter: Chairman Genachowski announces the selection of Ellis Jacobs, as representative for low-income consumers, and Scott K. Bergmann, as representative, for CMRS providers, to fill two vacancies on the USAC Board of Directors.  Each was the only nominee for their respective seats.
  Public Notice:Word | Acrobat
  Letter: Word | Acrobat

2008

• 5/20/2008
  Order: In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) waives on its own motion sections 54.702(b)(1) and 54.703(c) of the Commission’s rules that specify that one member of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Director’s shall be nominated by and shall represent “interexchange carriers with more than $3 billion in annual operating revenues.” WCB finds good cause exists to waive these rules to enable the Commission to designate a member USAC Board of Directors for the seat from an interexchange carrier, regardless of its annual operating revenues. Word | Acrobat
• 1/29/2008
  Order: The Commission seeks comment on the recommendation of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding comprehensive reform of high-cost universal support.
  Word | Acrobat

2007

• 11/20/07
  Recommended Decision: In this Recommended Decision, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service recommends that the Federal Communications Commission address the long-term reform issues facing the high-cost universal service support system and make fundamental revisions in the structure of existing Universal Service mechanisms. Word | Acrobat
  FCC Chairman Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
  FCC Commissioner Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
  FCC Commissioner Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Commissioner Ray Baum Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Chairman Lisa Polak Edgar Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Commissioner Larry S. Landis Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Commissioner John D. Burke Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Assistant Attorney General Public Counsel Simon Fitch Statement: Word | Acrobat
• 9/28/07
  Order: Pursuant to sections 254(a)(1) and 410 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) appoints Simon ffitch, Assistant Attorney General, Chief, Public Counsel Section, Attorney General of Washington, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, effective October 1, 2007. Word | Acrobat
• 9/6/07
  Public Notice: The Universal Service Joint Board continues to work on the issue of fundamental reform. This document reflects a tentative agreement among the board members on the principles that may guide their deliberations. Word | Acrobat
• 6/12/07
  Order: The Commission released an order granting an extension of time for parties to file reply comments in response to the May 14, 2007 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which sought comment on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service’s recommendation that the Commission adopt an interim, emergency cap on high-cost universal service support for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers. The reply comment date is changed from June 13, 2007, to June 21, 2007. Word | Acrobat
  Reply Comments: Reply Comments filed 06/21/07.
• 5/14/07
  Public Notice: The Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comment on the Federal-State Joint Board on Unviersal Service's recommendation that the Commission adopt an interim, emergency cap on high-cost universal service support for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers. The Commission set the comment and reply comment deadlines as 14 and 21 days, respectively, after publication of the Notice in the Federal Register. On May 23, 2007, a summary of the Notice appeared in the Federal Register. Comment Date: June 6, 2007. Reply Comment Date: June 13, 2007. Word | Acrobat
  Comments: Comments filed 06/06/07.
• 5/14/07
  Notice of Proposed Rulemaking : The Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comment on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service's recommendation that the Commission adopt an interim, emergency cap on high-cost universal service support for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers. The Commission set the comment and reply comment deadlines as 14 and 21 days, respectively, after publication of the Notice in the Federal Register. Word | Acrobat
  Comments: filed 06/06/07.
• 5/1/07
  News Release: 5/1/07, The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service recommended that the Federal Communications Commission take immediate action to rein in explosive growth in high-cost universal service support disbursements. The Joint Board is also seeking comment on proposals for long-term, comprehensive reform of the high-cost program. Word | Acrobat
• 5/1/07
  Public Notice: In this Public Notice, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) seeks comment on various proposals to reform the high-cost universal service support mechanisms. In a companion Recommended Decision released today, the Joint Board recommends that the Commission take immediate action to rein in the explosive growth in high-cost universal service support disbursements by imposing an interim, emergency cap on the amount of high-cost support that competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may receive. The Joint Board is committed to making further recommendations regarding long term, comprehensive high-cost universal service reform within six months. To assist the Joint Board in accomplishing this goal, we seek comment on several proposals that have been placed in the record since the close of the last comment cycle, as well as other possible reforms. The Joint Board expects parties to put forth detailed, comprehensive proposals within this comment cycle. Comments are due May 31, 2007 and reply comments are due July 2, 2007. Word
  Comments: Comments filed 05/31/07.
• 5/1/07
  Recommended Decision: In this Recommended Decision, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) recommends that the Commission take immediate action to rein in the explosive growth in high-cost universal service support disbursements. Specifically, we recommend that the Commission impose an interim, emergency cap on the amount of high-cost support that competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may receive for each state based on the average level of competitive ETC support distributed in that state in 2006. We also recommend that the Joint Board and the Commission further explore comprehensive high-cost distribution reform. As part of that effort, today in a companion Public Notice we seek comment on various proposals to reform the high-cost universal service support mechanisms. We also commit to making further recommendations regarding comprehensive high-cost universal service reform within six months of this Recommended Decision. Finally, we recommend that the Commission act on these further recommendations within one year from the date of our further recommended decision. Word | Acrobat

• 2/20/07
  En Banc Hearing of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Audio Recording
  Remarks of Chairman Martin
  Panel 1 - Audio

  • Remarks: Acrobat
  • Slides: Acrobat
  • Paul Garnett, CTIA--The Wireless Association - Statement | Slides
  • Dennis Weller, Verizon - Acrobat
  • Dale Lehman, Alaska Pacific University (on behalf of NTCA) - Statement | Paper

  Panel 2 - Audio

  • David Bodenhamer, The Polis Center, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis - Slides
  • Jim Stegeman, CostQuest Associates - Slides
  • Brian Staihr, Embarq - Slides
• 2/9/07
  Public Notice: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal (Joint Board) will hold an en banc hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, in Washington, DC. Word | Acrobat

2006

• 11/3/2006
  Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable John D. Burke, Commissioner of the Vermont Public Service Board, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat
• 08/11/06
  Public Notice: Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service seeks comment on the merits of using auctions to determine high-cost Universal Service support. Word | Acrobat
  Comments: Comments filed 10/10/06.
  Reply Comments: Reply Comments filed 11/08/06.
• 1/24/2006
  Order:In this order the Commission appoints the Honorable Curt Stamp, Iowa Utilities Board, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
  Word | Acrobat
• 1/13/06
  Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Deborah Taylor Tate, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations. Commissioner Tate shall serve as the Federal Chair of both the Universal Service Joint Board and the Separations Joint Board.
  Word | Acrobat

2005

• 11/9/05
  Order:This order appointed the Honorable Lisa Polak Edgar and the Honorable Larry S. Landis to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat
• 9/13/05
  Order:The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Extends Deadlines for Filing Comments and Reply Comments on Universal Service (Joint Board) Proposals to modify the Commission's rules relating to high-cost universal service support.
  Word | Acrobat
• 8/17/05
  Order:The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service seeks comment on Proposals to modify the Commission's rules relating to high-cost Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat
• 2/11/2005
  Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Michael J. Copps, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat

2004

• 12/30/04
  Order:The Commission approves the nomination of two state commissioners, Elliott Smith and Ray Baum, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat
• 11/17/04
  En Banc Hearing of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service:
  Transcripts | Biographies | Statements
• 9/08/04
  Order: DA 04-2895, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Nominations for Six Board Member Positions on Universal Service Administrative Company Board of Directors.
  Word | Acrobat
• 08/16/2004
  Order:The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service seeks comment on issues relating to the high-cost universal support mechanisms for rural carriers and the appropriate rural mechanism to succeed the five-year plan adopted in the Rural Task Force Order.
  Word | Acrobat
• 6/30/04
  Order: FCC 04-152, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Federal Communications Commission appoints the Honorable Robert Nelson, Commissioner of the Michigan Public Service Commisssion, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat
• 6/28/2004
  Order: The Commission asks the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to review the Commission’s rules on high-cost universal support mechanisms for rural carriers and to determine the appropriate rural mechanism to succeed the five-year plan adopted in the Rural Task Force Order.
  Word | Acrobat
• 6/8/04
  NPRM: FCC 04-127, CC Dkt. 96-45. In this Notice, we seek comment on the Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service concerning the process for designation of eligible telecommunicatons carriers (ETCs) and the Commission's rules regarding high-cost universal service support.
  Word | Acrobat
• 2/27/04
  Federal State Joint Board ("Joint Board") on Universal Service: Joint Board provides its recommendations concerning the process for designation of eligible telecommunications carriers and the Commission's rules regarding high-cost universal service support.
  Recommended Decision: Word | Acrobat
  Abernathy Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Jaber (Florida PSC) Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Dunleavy (NY State PSC) Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Gregg (West Virginia PSC) Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
  Joint Separate Statement of Adelstein, Thompson (Regulatory Commission of Alaska), and Rowe (Montana PSC): Word | Acrobat
• 2/26/04
  Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau released a draft of the revised Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet (FCC Form 499-A) for 2003 revenues. Word | Acrobat
  Appendix A in Acrobat
  Instructions in Acrobat

2003

• 10/27/2003
  Order: The FCC largely adopts the recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service with certain modifications.
  Word | Acrobat
• 7/31/03
  En Banc Hearing: CC Dkt. 96-45. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service held En Banc hearing on the Portability of the High-Cost Universal Service Support and the ETC designation process.
  Panelist |Joint Board
• 7/11/03
  Public Notice: DA 03-2294, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to hold En Banc hearing on the Portability of the High-Cost Universal Service Support and the ETC designation process.
  Word | Acrobat
• 4/2/03
  Order: FCC 03J-2, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service released a Recommended Decision proposing modifications to the Lifeline/Link-Up program.
  Word | Acrobat
• 2/13/03
  Order: FCC 03-29, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Commission appoints the Honorable Jonathan S. Adelstein, to serve on a the Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat | Text
• 2/7/2003
  Order: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service seeks comment on whether changes to the Commission’s rules relating to high-cost universal service support in study areas in which a competitive ETC is providing services, and regarding support for second lines are warranted.
  Acrobat

2002

• 11/8/2002
  Order: The Commission asks the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to review certain of the FCC's rules relating to the high-cost universal service support in study areas in which a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier is providing service and support.
  Acrobat
• 11/5/2002
  Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on the Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service addressing issues from the Ninth Report and Order that were remanded by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
  Acrobat
• 10/16/2002
  Order: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service issues its Recommended Decision, which provides its recommendations from the Ninth Report and Order that were remanded to the Commission by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
  Acrobat
• 7/10/02
  Recommended Decision: FCC 02J-1, CC Dkt. 96-45. Joint Board issued its recommendation regarding the definition of services that should be supported by federal universal service.
  Word | Acrobat | Text
• 6/21/02
  Contribution Methodology Meeting: CC Dkt. 96-45. Transcript of Commission Public Meeting on Universal Service Contribution Methodology.
  Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
• 3/28/02
  Order: FCC 02-97, CC Docket No. 96-45. The Commission appointed the Honorable Billy Jack Gregg, West Virginia Consumer Advocate, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
  Word | Acrobat | Text
• 2/15/02
  Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order: FCC 02-41, CC Docket No. 96-45. Commission released a Notice seeking comment on issues from the Ninth Report and Order remanded by the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. The Commission referred the record collected to the Joint Board for a recommended decision by August 15, 2002.
  Word | Acrobat | Text

2001

• 10/11/01
  Public Notice: FCC 01-J-2, CC Docket No. 96-45. Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Seeks Comment on Review of Lifeline and Link-Up Service For All Low-Income Consumers.
  Word | Acrobat | Text
• 10/05/2001
  Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Michael J. Copps, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve as Commissioner on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. Acrobat
• 8/21/2001
  Order: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service invites comment regarding its review of the definition of universal service. Acrobat
• 7/12/2001
  Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Kathleen Q. Abernathy and the Honorable Kevin J. Martin, Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. The Honorable Kathleen Abernathy shall serve as the Federal Chair of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. Acrobat
• 01/12/2001
  Order: In this Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Further Notice), the Commission seeks comment on the Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding a plan for reforming the rural universal service support mechanism. Acrobat