The FCC has adopted a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, that proposes a forfeiture penalty of $400,000 against Westel, Inc., an interexchange carrier that currently provides VoIP over broadband connection, resold VoIP, resold long distance and toll-free service, and resold unified connection communication services including voice mail and video. The FCC alleges that Westel, Inc. failed to comply with Universal Service Administrative Company’s filing deadlines related to Annual and Quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheets.
USAC collects worksheets from service providers to determine the providers’ USF contribution obligations. Between February 2020 and May 2023, Westel Inc. allegedly failed to timely file, or file at all, 14 worksheets. After not receiving the worksheets, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau filed a Letter of Inquiry containing documentation requests for financial information with which Westel Inc. has continuously failed to comply. Due to the alleged willful violation of FCC rules by failing to make the required filings and to respond to the FCC, the FCC proposes a forfeiture penalty of $400,000.
