Initial ETC Certification 

Telecommunications carriers must be designated as Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) to qualify for subsidies from the Federal Universal Service Fund. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) grants ETC designations to qualified applicants. 

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules require the data listed in Rule 47 C.F.R. §54.202(a) to be included in any petition for ETC status.

Prior to designating an ETC the PUC must also find that the designation is in the public interest.

Annual High-Cost ETC Certification 

The PUC must file an annual certification with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) stating that all federal high-cost support provided to ETCs within the State was used (in the preceding calendar year) and will be used (in the coming calendar year) only for the provision, maintenance and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended.

Annually, beginning April 1, 2013, all ETCs that receive high cost support must file the reports and certifications required by Rule 47 C.F.R. §54.313(a).