Below is a listing of charges that may appear on your telephone bill and are most frequently asked about.
If you have further questions as to how to read your bill, please contact customer service.
911 Surcharge:
This is a mandated fee that all telephone companies must contribute to. It helps maintain the 911 emergency networks. Access Line Charge:
Also known as "Subscriber Line Charge". This was instituted to cover the costs associated with the interstate access to the local phone network. The FCC caps the maximum price that a company may charge for this. This is not a government charge or tax, and it does not end up in the government's treasury. This is a federally regulated fee.EAS:
This stands for Extended Area Service. Some exchanges have cities added to their local calling area and are able to call other cities without incurring long distance for a monthly fee. In order for EAS to be installed, your community must vote it in.Federal Tax:
This is a 3% tax that is mandated by the Federal Government. It is imposed on all telecommunications services, including local, long distance, and wireless bills.Franchise Fees:
This is a tax imposed by cities where Cable TV service is provided.FUSC (Federal Universal Service Charge):
Because telephones provide a vital link to emergency services, to government services and to surrounding communities, it has been our nation's policy to promote telephone service to all households since this service began in the 1930's. The USF (Universal Service Fund) helps to make phone service affordable and available to all Americans, including assisting schools, libraries, and rural health care consumers. Congress had mandated that all telephone companies providing interstate service must contribute to the USF.