| Abstract: | On November 24, 1998, the Federal-State Joint Board adopted a Second Recommended Decision regarding universal service. In this decision, the Joint Board made numerous recommendations on universal service issues. The Joint Board recommends a federal high cost support mechanism for non-rural carriers that enables rates to remain affordable; that the Commission replace the 25/75 jurisdictional division of responsibility for high cost support; that the Commission compute federal high cost support for non-rural carriers through a two-step process; and that the mechanisms outlined be reviewed no later than three years from July 1, 1999. The Commission seeks comment on the Second Recommended Decision. |
