NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 NEWS RELEASE CONTACT
August 29, 2007                                                                         David Fiske (202) 418-0513
FCC TAKES FURTHER ACTION TO SAFEGUARD UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND 
FROM RISK OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE
Adopts Measures to Improve the Management, Administration and Oversight of the Fund
In a Report and Order released today, the Commission adopts several measures to further 
safeguard the Universal Service Fund from waste, fraud, and abuse.  In the Comprehensive 
Review of the Universal Service Fund Management, Administration, and Oversight proceeding, 
the Commission fortifies its debarment rule for parties convicted of criminal violations or found 
civilly liable in connection with acts arising from participation in any of the four universal 
service programs.  Previously, the Commission's debarment rules applied only to the E-rate 
Program. As a result of the changes adopted in this order, bad actors who defraud the program 
can be prohibited from receiving funds in the High Cost, Low Income, and Rural Healthcare 
programs.
 The Commission also strengthens its oversight of the Universal Service Fund 
contributions and filing process by requiring timely filing and payment and increasing the 
penalties for late payments and late filing.  The Commission also strengthens its audit 
requirements by imposing document retention rules on all universal service programs and 
program contributors.
 In addition to these rule changes designed to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, the 
Commission adopts performance measures to improve the management and administration of the 
program.  Specifically, the Commission followed through on the recommendations of the GAO 
to adopt performance measures for all four Universal Service Fund programs and the 
Administrator.  These performance measures will help ensure the effective and efficient 
operation of the program, including quick and thorough processing of applications.
Action by the Commission by Report and Order (FCC 07-150).
WC Docket No. 05-195
For additional information, contact Mika Savir at (202) 418-0384.
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