Federal Communications Commission	DA 21-606


Before the
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554


In the Matter of

National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc.
2021 Modification of Average Schedules

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WC Docket No. 20-425

ORDER
Adopted: May 24, 2021 		Released: May 24, 2021 

By the Chief, Pricing Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau:

1. In this Order, we approve the formulas for average schedule interstate settlement disbursements in connection with the provision of interstate access services proposed by the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA), pursuant to section 69.606 of the Commission’s rules, for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2021. National Exchange Carrier Association 2020 Modification of Average Schedules, Attach. to Letter from Richard A. Askoff, Executive Director-Regulatory, NECA, to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, WC Docket 20-425 (filed Dec. 23, 2020) (December 23 Filing); 47 CFR § 69.606(b).  
  For the reasons set forth below, we approve the average schedule formulas as proposed by NECA. 
2. According to NECA, the methods described in its December 23 Filing represent the same methods employed in last year’s filing. December 23 Filing at 1.
  NECA’s proposed formula changes would result in a 3.7% overall increase in settlements at constant demand. Id.
  NECA expects actual settlements “to remain relatively flat, and increase on average by only 0.1%, due to projected losses of access lines and reductions in demand for special access services. Id.
  The impact of the proposed formula changes “on individual average schedule companies will vary depending on each company’s size, demand trends and other characteristics.” Id.

3. By Public Notice released February 12, 2021, we sought comment on NECA’s December 23 Filing. Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc.’s Proposed Modification of Average Schedule Formulas, WC Docket No. 20-425, Public Notice, DA 21-150, 2021 WL 631032 at *1 (WCB Feb. 12, 2021).
  No comments were filed. 
4. We have reviewed the NECA December 23 Filing and find that its proposed formulas are reasonable. 
5. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED, pursuant to sections 0.91, 0.291, and 69.606(a) of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR §§ 0.91, 0.291, 69.606(a), that the average schedule formulas proposed by the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc., on December 23, 2020 SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE July 1, 2021, and remain in effect through June 30, 2022.
6. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, pursuant to section 1.102(b) of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR § 1.102(b), that this Order SHALL BE EFFECTIVE upon release.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION




Gil M. Strobel
Chief 
Pricing Policy Division
Wireline Competition Bureau


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