**DA 06-1528**

**Released: July 27, 2006**

**WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU STREAMLINES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR
INTERCONNECTED VOIP PROVIDERS AND ANNOUNCES OMB APPROVAL OF NEW FCC
FORMS 499-A AND 499-Q**

On June 21, 2006, the Commission adopted the *2006* *Interim
Contribution Methodology Order*, which included proposed revised FCC
Forms 499-A and 499-Q and their instructions.[^1] In pertinent part, the
*Order* requires that interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol
("interconnected VoIP") providers contribute to the universal service
fund (USF) and raises the wireless safe harbor from 28.5 percent to 37.1
percent. The revised Forms and their instructions reflect the changes to
the contribution methodology adopted in the *2006* *Interim Contribution
Methodology Order*.

On June 28, 2006, the Commission requested emergency approval of the
information collection requirements from the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB). On July 27, 2006, the Commission received OMB approval.

For the convenience of new filers, particularly interconnected VoIP
providers, we provide these instructions and special accommodations to
simplify the process for the filing due August 1:

-   For all filers, the FCC Form 499-Q filing must be filed with the
    Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) by August 1, 2006.
    For providers who have not previously filed, FCC Form 499-A also
    must be filed with USAC by August 1, 2006. USAC has made the Forms
    available on its website at
    <http://www.usac.org/fund-administration/forms/>. They are also
    available on the Commission's website at
    <http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html>.

-   Interconnected VoIP providers that have not previously contributed
    to the USF can obtain a FCC Registration Number (FRN) from the
    Commission's web site at
    <https://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do> for use in
    filing both Forms.

-   Normally, filers obtain a Filer 499 ID for use on the Forms by
    filing their initial Form 499-A and then receiving the Filer 499 ID
    from USAC. Out of consideration of the deadlines for interconnected
    VoIP providers to file both Forms by August 1, we have directed USAC
    to accept the Forms without the Filer 499 ID (for those providers
    who do not already have a Filer 499 ID). USAC will provide the Filer
    499 ID to the providers later and will fill in the Filer 499 ID on
    the Forms filed by August 1 on behalf of these providers. New filers
    that use this process should submit the two Forms together to USAC
    in a single filing. (Although new filers have the option of sending
    FCC Form 499-A either to USAC or to the Office of the Secretary, we
    encourage new filers to send FCC Form 499-A (along with FCC Form
    499-Q) to USAC.).

-   We clarify that interconnected VoIP providers filing for the first
    time *need only complete limited portions of the Forms for the
    August 1 filing*, which include only two lines of revenue
    information in total:

    -   On the FCC Form 499-A, interconnected VoIP providers need only
        complete block 1 (contributor identification information), block
        2 (contact information, agent for service of process, and
        registration), and block 6 (certification). Interconnected VoIP
        providers need [not]{.underline} complete block 3 (carrier's
        carrier revenue information), block 4 (revenue information), or
        block 5 (additional revenue breakouts).

    -   On the FCC Form 499-Q, interconnected VoIP providers that have
        not previously contributed need only complete block 1
        (contributor identification information), block 2 (contact
        information), block 4 (certification), and lines 114, 119, and
        120 of block 3. *They do not need to complete lines 113, 115,
        116, 117, or 118 of block 3.*

People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible formats for
people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio
format), send an e-mail to <fcc504@fcc.gov> or call the Consumer &
Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (tty).

For further information, please contact Amy Bender, Wireline Competition
Bureau, <Amy.Bender@fcc.gov>, (202) 418-1469.

-FCC-

[^1]: *See Universal Service Contribution Methodology*, WC Docket Nos.
    06-122 and 04-36, CC Docket Nos. 96-45, 98-171, 90-571, 92-237,
    99-200, 95-116, and 98-170, Report and Order and Notice of Proposed
    Rulemaking, FCC 06-94 (rel. Jun. 27, 2006) (*2006* *Interim
    Contribution Methodology Order*).