Missouri Public Service Commission

JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a recommendation made by the Public Service Commission Staff that will increase the Missouri Universal Service Fund support amount provided for Lifeline voice-only service if the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues with its plan to eliminate support by December 1, 2021.

Currently the Missouri Universal Service fund support amount for Lifeline voice-only service is $18.75 a month. That will change to $24.00 a month if the FCC eliminates support (currently $5.25 a month) on December 1, 2021. Affected telephone providers may implement the support change at any time from December 1, 2021 through February 1, 2022.

The Lifeline Program is a national program designed to provide discounted voice and broadband services to qualifying low-income customers. The program is overseen by the FCC in partnership with the states.

The Commission also continued suspension of the assessment that provides the funding forvthe state Universal Service Fund. The Commission first suspended the assessment effective Januaryv1, 2020. Effective December 3, 2021, assessment for the Missouri Universal Service Fund is suspended until September 30, 2022. The Missouri Universal Service Fund is funded through an assessment to landline telecommunications companies and interconnected VoIP providers. This assessment is ultimately paid for by consumers and shows up on their monthly telecommunications bill as the Missouri USF surcharge.

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Case No. TO-2019-0346