Traditionally, LONG-distance carriers paid access charges to local companies for "access" to the local network to enable customers to make or receive long- distance calls. These access-charge dollars reflect a legitimate business cost, compensating local companies for the long-distance carriers' use of our networks. Universal service support and access charge revenues are essential to COMMUNITY based telecom providers.

These programs HELP companies serving rural areas keep local rates affordable and comparable to rates in urban areas where the population is more densely clustered and costs are not as high. We continue to rely on this support TODAY, given the costs of the equipment and facilities necessary to make new and ADVANCED services available to rural customers.

Traditionally, long-distance carriers paid access charges to local companies for "access" to the local network to enable customers to make or receive long- distance calls. These access-charge dollars reflect a legitimate business cost, compensating local companies for the long-distance carriers' use of our networks. Universal service support and access charge revenues are essential to community based telecom providers.

These programs help companies serving rural areas keep local rates affordable and comparable to rates in urban areas where the population is more densely clustered and costs are not as high. We continue to rely on this support today, given the costs of the equipment and facilities necessary to make new and advanced services available to rural customers.