Today:  Idaho Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing, USAC Invoices 

Idaho Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Begins

The Public Utilities Commission issued a press release reminding Idahoans that, beginning August 5, 2017, they will need to dial the area code along with the seven-digit telephone number in order to make a local call.  In 2015, the PUC approved a new area code (986) for the state to address the need for additional phone numbers.  A 16-month implementation plan was adopted.  TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefings dated 11/3/15 and 12/28/15.  The PUC reminds consumers to confirm that all services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, software or other types of equipment (including life-safety systems, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, ankle monitors, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and similar functions) recognize the new 986 area code.  They should also check business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks and personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included in the telephone number.

USAC Invoices

The Universal Service Administrative Co. announced that federal universal service fund contributors now have the option to view the first page, also known as the summary page, of their invoice online from the past 24 months.  (Previously, only paper copies of invoices were available.)  Contributors can also opt-in to receiving email notifications when invoice summaries are posted online.  USAC will continue to mail companies a hard copy of their complete invoices, which include all calculation details.

USAC also announced that it sent the 2017 true up letters with the July 2017 invoices.  The annual true up is the contribution reconciliation of the previous calendar year, this case 2016.  The letters included an outline of the true up calculation specific to each filer ID, stated the variance (if any) of the contribution paid and the resulting monthly adjustment for the third quarter invoices; and addressed de minimis contributors, LIRE, sales, and mergers (if applicable) Contributors that revised their FCC Form 499-As after July 2017, can request that USAC perform another true up.

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The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Briefing.