The "Federal Universal Service Charge" (FUSC), also AUTHORIZED by the FCC, is not part of your local service rate; the charge helps to keep rates affordable for all Americans, regardless of where they live. The amount of the FUSC on your monthly BILL depends on the services you order and the NUMBER of telephone lines you have. Generally, the surcharge is applied per LINE. In July 2002, the FCC authorized an increase in the FUSC to $0.46 per month per line. And in July 2003, FUSC charge became 9.1% of the SLC charge.

The federal government has established national programs to support universal telephone service. The federal Universal Service Fund assists with the costs of providing "affordable" telecommunications service to low-income individuals and to residents in rural, high-cost areas. In addition, Congress has expanded the program to help schools, libraries, and rural health care providers obtain leading-edge services, such as high-speed Internet access. All providers of TELECOM services contribute to the support of these universal service programs.

The "Federal Universal Service Charge" (FUSC), also authorized by the FCC, is not part of your local service rate; the charge helps to keep rates affordable for all Americans, regardless of where they live. The amount of the FUSC on your monthly bill depends on the services you order and the number of telephone lines you have. Generally, the surcharge is applied per line. In July 2002, the FCC authorized an increase in the FUSC to $0.46 per month per line. And in July 2003, FUSC charge became 9.1% of the SLC charge.

The federal government has established national programs to support universal telephone service. The federal Universal Service Fund assists with the costs of providing "affordable" telecommunications service to low-income individuals and to residents in rural, high-cost areas. In addition, Congress has expanded the program to help schools, libraries, and rural health care providers obtain leading-edge services, such as high-speed Internet access. All providers of telecom services contribute to the support of these universal service programs.