CenturyLink's 2021 Federal ETC Filing and Iowa's High-Cost Support Certifications

Strategic Insights -

The Iowa Public Utilities Commission issued a document on June 21, 2021, from the CenturyLink State Regulatory & Legislative Affairs Director, Taylor Teepell, requesting certification for receiving Federal high-cost support in Iowa. This filing is a response to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) annual ETC reporting requirements. The FCC's USF/ICC Transformation Order, released in 2011, established a national framework for certifying Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) and set forth a standard set of information that all ETCs must file with the FCC. The filing requires certification by October 1, 2021, to continue receiving Federal high-cost support in Iowa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its USF/ICC Transformation Order in 2011, establishing a national framework for certification of Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs).
  • The order set forth a standard set of information that all ETCs must file with the FCC annually, typically by July 1st.
  • The Iowa Public Utilities Commission received a filing from CenturyLink on June 21, 2021, requesting certification to receive Federal high-cost support in Iowa.
  • The FCC Form 481, a reporting template, is used by ETCs to report certain data and certifications required by the FCC's rules, including high-cost recipients' service quality standards and consumer protection rules.
  • The FCC Form 481 no longer requires high-cost recipients to file information regarding network outages, unfulfilled service requests, complaints, and pricing for voice and broadband services.
  • ETCs no longer file duplicate copies of FCC Form 481 with the FCC and with states, U.S. Territories, and Tribal governments, as filings are now provided to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) through their online "E-File" portal.
  • State commissions can contact USAC for additional information on obtaining FCC Form 481 information from the portal.
  • CenturyLink requests certification by October 1, 2021, to continue receiving Federal high-cost support in Iowa.

Statistics:

  • The FCC began transitioning to a national framework for certification of ETCs in 2011.
  • Annual ETC reporting requirements for recipients of federal high-cost support are contained in 47 C.F.R. S§ 54.313 of the FCC's rules.
  • The FCC Form 481 is used by ETCs to report certain data and certifications required by the FCC's rules.
  • The filing of FCC Form 481 has changed such that one filing is made with USAC, and ETCs no longer file duplicate copies with the FCC and with states, U.S. Territories, and Tribal governments.
  • The deadline for certification to receive Federal high-cost support in Iowa is October 1, 2021.

Sources:

  • June 21, 2021 Executive Secretary Iowa Utilities Board 1375 East Court Avenue, RM 69 Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0069 Re: CenturyLink's 2021 Federal ETC Filing for CenturyTel of Chester, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink; CenturyTel of Postville, Inc. d/b/a CenturyLink; and Qwest Corporation d/b/a CenturyLink QC
  • 47 C.F.R. S§ 54.313 and 54.422 of the FCC's rules.