ASK CONSUMER 6: What is the Universal Service Fee listed on my phone bill?

Tuesday, January 23rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A viewer called Consumer 6 after she noticed a new charge on her local phone bill called the Universal Service Fee. She said it is listed as a contribution, so she wanted to find out why it is a required fee.

The Federal Communications Commission requires all telecommunication carriers to pay a Universal Service Fee, but let the carriers decide how to collect the fee. Both Southwestern Bell and Valor add the fee to their already existing charges.

The F-C-C originally assessed the fee to long distance carriers to provide telephone service to low income customers and rural areas. Then in 1996, the government established the new telecommunications act that included funds to help schools, libraries, and rural health care providers. But it also requires all telecommunications carriers including local phone companies to pay a fee, and they have passed the fee to the consumer. Although it is technically a contribution, it is a required fee.

If you have a question for Ask Consumer Six, call our tip line at 732-6111 or send an e-mail to dwhite@kotv.dot.com.