Do all local telephone companies receive universal service support?
No, not all local companies qualify for support. While most telecom providers contribute to the support of universal service, the companies that serve large cities and urban markets are not likely to qualify for federal Universal Service Fund support. Thus, through their SLC and FUSC payments, customers of large urban-based companies are helping to keep local rates “comparable” and “affordable” for those served by rural providers. This mutual social benefit is the very objective that Congress designed universal service to achieve.
