The National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA) has filed its 2018 modification of the average schedule universal service high-cost loop support formula, which, if approved, will take effect for calendar year 2018. According to NECA’s filing, annual payments to average schedule companies under the proposed formula will total approximately $6.45 million payable to 99 average schedule study areas in 2018, which is reflective of the cap on the overall fund sizes. The proposed payments represent an increase of $0.42 million (or about 7%) compared to current payments. Comments on NECA’s proposed modification are due by October 5, 2017 and reply comments by October 20, 2017.
