FCC 5-0 Denies NCIC, Securus Requests for USF Forbearance

Network Communications International Corp. and Securus won't get USF contribution forbearance, FCC members ordered 5-0 Friday. That's "given the critical role" the fund "plays in bringing connectivity to rural and low income Americans, schools, libraries, and health care providers, and the statutory directive to collect equitable and non-discriminatory contributions from all providers of interstate telecommunications services." Both companies’ petitions were denied in an order saying inmate calling service providers must participate. "To exempt ICS providers from contributing to the Fund would undermine the broad funding base for universal service, would not be competitively neutral, and would not be in the public interest," said the order. “We’re basically taxing the people who should be benefiting from the USF,” said NCIC President Bill Pope in an interview. He was referring to those who are incarcerated and said he hasn’t decided whether he will try to challenge the FCC decision. A lawyer who has represented Securus didn't comment. NCIC wasn't expected to succeed in its request (see 2007170049).