Are there any service providers exempt from any USF Contribution requirements?
While all qualifying interstate telecommunications service providers are required to report and contribute to the USF, over the history of the Fund, the FCC has established certain contribution exemptions for carriers providing a minimal amount of interstate telecommunications services. For instance, the FCC has established the de minimus exception to contribution duties for carriers who will contribute less than $10,000. The FCC has also exempted certain amounts of international traffic, under the limited international revenue exemption (“LIRE”), from contribution. And, the certain providers of wholesale telecommunications service, or resellers, are eligible to pass through USF contribution under the “carrier’s carrier revenues” exemption. One thing all of these examples highlight is the important need for telecommunications service providers to evaluate the legal ramifications affecting USF contribution decisions, especially as the FCC and state regulatory agencies continue to modify
