Section 63.162. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Assessment rate—The percentage rate which when multiplied by each contributing telecommunications provider’s total intraState end-user telecommunications retail revenue for the prior month will determine that provider’s monthly contribution to the annual Fund budget. The assessment rate is computed annually under § 63.165 (relating to calculation of contributions).

Basic universal service—An evolving set of telephone services, as defined by the Commission, which represents the set of services essential for a resident of this Commonwealth to participate in modern society at any point in time.

Contributing telecommunications providers—Telecommunications carriers that provide intraState telecommunications services. Whether a provider or class of providers is a telecommunications carrier will be determined based upon whether the provider or class of providers is considered a telecommunications carrier under Federal law as interpreted by the Federal Communications Commission except that wireless carriers are exempt from this subchapter under 66 Pa.C.S. § 102(2)(IV) (relating to definitions).

End-user revenue—Revenues received from telecommunications subscribers who consume the final service unadjusted for any expense or other purpose. Total intrastate end-user telecommunications retail revenue does not include those revenues received from access, resale (toll or local), or the sale of unbundled network elements or other services which are essentially wholesale in nature.

Fund—The Universal Service Fund.

Fund recipient—An entity which receives funds from the Fund. Incumbent local exchange carriers operating in this Commonwealth, with the exception of Verizon Pennsylvania and Verizon North, Inc. are eligible Fund recipients.

Local service provider—A telecommunications company to which retail customers subscribe for basic universal service.