MH Telecom, LLC Seeks Designation as a Lifeline Only Eligible Telecommunications Carrier

Strategic Insights -

MH Telecom, LLC, a Wisconsin telecommunications company, has applied to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission for designation as a Lifeline Only Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) to provide local exchange and broadband services in Iowa County. The company aims to receive federal and state low-income universal service support and provide essential telecommunications services to qualifying low-income consumers. MH Telecom has demonstrated its ability to meet the statutory and regulatory requirements for ETC designation, including providing supported services, advertising the availability of services, and participating in the Lifeline program.

Key Takeaways:

  • MH Telecom, LLC is a Wisconsin telecommunications company seeking designation as a Lifeline Only ETC to provide local exchange and broadband services in Iowa County.
  • The company has demonstrated its ability to meet the statutory and regulatory requirements for ETC designation, including providing supported services, advertising the availability of services, and participating in the Lifeline program.
  • MH Telecom will provide essential telecommunications services, including voice communication, local usage, and access to emergency services.
  • The company will advertise the availability of these services and the charges using media of general distribution and will participate in the Lifeline program.
  • MH Telecom will use the federal low-income universal support for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended.
  • The company has committed to meeting the minimum requirements for ETC designation, as set forth in 47 U.S.C. § 214(e)(1) and 47 C.F.R. § 54.101(a), et seq.
  • MH Telecom has requested a narrow exception from Wis. Admin. Code PSC 160.13(5)(b) to replace bill credits that were offered to customers through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Statistics:

  • MH Telecom serves 1,238 customers with voice service and 5,502 customers with broadband service in the existing service area.
  • The company operates its own switch and uses its own fiber, copper, and wireless facilities to provide local exchange and broadband services.
  • MH Telecom has been in business since 1997 and is currently authorized to conduct business in the state of Wisconsin.
  • The company seeks federal and state ETC designation to receive low-income universal service support and provide essential telecommunications services to qualifying low-income consumers.

Sources:

  • The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
  • 47 U.S.C. § 214(e)
  • 47 C.F.R. § 54.101(a)
  • Wis. Admin. Code PSC 160.13
  • https://apps.psc.wi.gov (complete document)