The FCC released the InterCall Order, in which the Commission determined that InterCall, Inc. (InterCall) and all similarly situated audio bridging service providers are required to contribute directly to the universal service fund (USF). As part of the InterCall Order, the Commission also directed the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to conduct outreach to both stand-alone audio bridging providers and integrated teleconferencing service providers to ensure that such providers properly contribute directly to the USF based on their interstate and international end user revenues derived from providing audio bridging services.
The increase to conference call service users will be in an increase of 11.4% charge of the over all cost per minute.
The goals of Universal Service, as mandated by the 1996 Act, are to:
- Promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable and affordable rates for all consumers
- Increase nationwide access to advanced telecommunications services
- Advance the availability of such services to all consumers, including those in low income, rural, insular, and high cost areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas
- Increase access to telecommunications and advanced services in schools, libraries and rural health care facilities
- Provide equitable and non-discriminatory contributions from all providers of telecommunications services to the fund supporting universal service programs
The Commission established four programs to fulfill these goals. They are:
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