WASHINGTON -- The Federal Communications Commission today issued Notices of Apparent Liability ("NALs") against three telecommunications carriers for apparently violating Universal Service Fund ("USF") and other regulatory program laws, including those for the Telecommunications Relay Service ("TRS"), the North American Numbering Plan Administration ("NANPA"), and regulatory fees.

Today's NALs help level the playing field for all telecommunications carriers by demonstrating a no tolerance policy for any carrier that fails to pay its required USF, TRS, and other regulatory obligations. Apparent violations like these distort the marketplace by causing carriers in compliance with the requirements to carry a disproportionate share of the costs of funding these programs and frustrate the purposes for which Congress and the Commission established the programs.

The programs at issue in these NALs further important statutory and regulatory goals. The USF ensures that consumers in all regions of the nation have access to affordable, quality telecommunications services. The TRS fund enables persons with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate by telephone with the help of a relay operator. The NANPA ensures the equitable availability of telephone numbers. Regulatory fees distribute the cost of certain regulatory activities. Under the Communications Act and the Commission's rules, every telecommunications carrier that provides interstate service must contribute to these programs on an equitable basis. The Commission requires carriers to register with the Commission in order to monitor activities in the telecommunications marketplace.

The three corporations that are the subject of the NALs are Carerra Communications, LP; InPhonic, Inc.; and Teletronics, Inc.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)