Three states acted on universal service issues. The Iowa Utiliti...

for service quality, local usage, emergency service access, answer time and retail locations. But the state in Case RMU-05-4 adopted different reporting requirements. Under the IUB rules, ETCs must report monthly minutes of use on ETC- eligible service, listing each exchange where the ETC provides enhanced 911, average hold time at customer service centers and a complete listing of carrier-owned retail locations. The state also required competitive ETCs to certify annually that they offer a local usage plan comparable to the incumbent telco’s offering. The IUB said it plans a further docket to see if the state should adopt all the FCC-recommended reporting requirements and follow the FCC guidelines for public interest determinations, coverage and buildout plans, and annual certifications. The new rules take effect Dec. 14 with the first reports due next Sept. The Kan. Corporation Commission called for comment by Nov. 30 in a new docket on implementing an April state appeals court ruling affecting distribution of state universal service subsidies. The Kan. Court of Appeals ruling required that state universal service high-cost subsidies be distributed in a competitively neutral fashion. The court invalidated the state plan to base incumbent carriers’ subsidy on embedded costs, while CLECs’ subsidy was based on their line count, and remanded the matter back to the regulators. The KCC asked parties in Case 06-GIMT-390-GIT to comment on what distribution methods could be considered neutral, and whether the matter can wait until the FCC finishes pending revisions to the federal universal service program. The Wash. Utilities & Transportation Commission called for comments by Nov. 14 on a draft proposal for requirements applicants must meet to be designated an ETC. The proposal would require ETC applicants to describe how they'll provide each supported service, detail their network investment plans for their first 2 years as an ETC, provide information on how they'll maintain functional service in emergencies and disasters and how they aim to ensure they comply with consumer protection and service quality rules. They also will have to report annually on how they plan to use their federal universal service subsidies and how those expenditures will benefit customers.