The FCC released an order late Fri. that requires prepaid calling...
The FCC released an order late Fri. that requires prepaid calling card services to pay regulatory fees, but not retroactively. The order has long been anticipated because the FCC voted on it June 1 (CD June 2 p2). An…
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AT&T spokesman said the order offers certainty for providers and “a degree of stability for the Universal Service Fund.” The action requires providers of prepaid cards, including the so-called menu-driven cards and those using IP transport, to pay access charges and contribute to the USF based on interstate revenue. The Commission said payment is required because these cards qualify as telecom services. AT&T and Verizon had lobbied hard against retroactive treatment and in a separate statement FCC Comr. Adelstein said he had concerns about not applying retroactivity. The decision is a follow- up of a Feb. 2005 ruling requiring AT&T to pay regulatory fees on its first enhanced card. The company had sought regulatory guidance for newer cards that it said could be considered information services and thus exempt from fee payments.