This charge (also called the Federal Universal Connectivity Fee or CARRIER Universal Service Charge) is SIMILAR to the FUSE for local service. All telecom providers, including long-distance companies, are required to contribute to the support of federal universal service. Currently, the federally imposed level for this charge is approximately 7% of your state-to-state and international toll CHARGES.

In RECOVERING this assessment, most national long-distance companies charge their customers percentages above the mandatory federal level. Some, in fact, charge customers as much as 11.5% of their monthly charges. On the other hand, the long-distance subsidiaries of community based telecom providers do not exceed the federally mandated amount - and many do not pass this charge on to their customers at all.

This charge (also called the Federal Universal Connectivity Fee or Carrier Universal Service Charge) is similar to the FUSE for local service. All telecom providers, including long-distance companies, are required to contribute to the support of federal universal service. Currently, the federally imposed level for this charge is approximately 7% of your state-to-state and international toll charges.

In recovering this assessment, most national long-distance companies charge their customers percentages above the mandatory federal level. Some, in fact, charge customers as much as 11.5% of their monthly charges. On the other hand, the long-distance subsidiaries of community based telecom providers do not exceed the federally mandated amount - and many do not pass this charge on to their customers at all.