The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission), in an Order, has allowed competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to use their high-cost legacy funds in any service area of any affiliated ETC in order to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Previous to this waiver, the Commission rules required that all legacy high-cost support be used in a particular service area. By waiving this requirement, ETCs will have the flexibility needed to make more efficient decisions in responding to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. This waiver will last until June 30, 2020, at which time the Commission will consider whether an extension is needed.
