Understanding your Norvado bill may seem confusing, but the following definitions should bring some clarity regarding the fees associated with it.
Norvado is allowed to bill customers for a portion of what it costs to provide access to our local networks. These charges are not a government charge or tax. The maximum allowable access charges per telephone line are set by the FCC, but Norvado is free to charge less, or even nothing at all.
All telecommunications service providers must contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund, which helps people in rural and high-cost areas, and income-eligible consumers, get access to telecommunications services at reasonable rates through programs and initiatives such as the Connect America Fund, Lifeline and the E-rate program for schools and libraries.
A Federal Universal Service Fee may appear on your telephone bill because we choose to recover USF contributions from you, the subscriber. The FCC does not require this charge to be passed on to you, but Norvado is allowed to do so. These charges usually appear as a percentage of your phone bill. Norvado cannot collect an amount that exceeds the percentage of our own contributions to the USF. We also cannot collect any fees on services fully supported by the Lifeline program.
The Public Service Commission is responsible for the policies and procedures of the state Universal Service Fund. The Fund was established under the 1993 Wisconsin Act 496 to ensure that all Wisconsin residents receive essential telecommunication services and have access to advanced telecommunication capabilities. Wisconsin Universal Service Fund programs created by the Public Service Commission have been developed to address telecommunication needs for low-income customers, high rate areas of the state, customers with disabilities, non-profit groups and medical clinics and public health agencies.
This is a federal fee that helps local governments pay for emergency services such as fire and rescue.
This is a fee charged by the county you live in to help local governments pay for emergency services such as fire and rescue.