Obligations for Voice Network Service Providers

Obligations for Voice Network Service Providers

All Voice Network Service Providers Placing Telephone Numbers in Service Must Now Contribute to the State's MUSF and MTEAF Funds

Effective October 25, 2023, Maine law now requires all voice network service providers using numbers placed in service for the State's numbering plan area (the 207 Area Code) to contribute to the Maine Universal Service Fund (MUSF) and the Maine Telecommunications Education Access Fund (MTEAF).  Voice network service provider means a voice service provider that offers its subscribers the means to initiate or receive voice communications using the public switched telephone network and includes a provider of interconnected voice over Internet protocol service required to register with the commission pursuant to section Title 35-A §7110, subsection 2.

Contributions to these funds are based on the requirements of Title 35-A MRSA §7104 

Part B. "Number placed in service" means an active 10-digit telephone number that is:

1. Compliant with the guidelines established by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator for use by a voice network service provider;
2. Has been assigned to an end user customer of the voice network service provider; and
3. Is capable of receiving voice traffic from, or originating voice traffic to, the public switched telephone network.

Additional guidance may be found in the Commission's MUSF and MTEAF Rules:

• Chapter 288 - MUSF
• Chapter 285 - MTEAF 

The Commission utilizes a third-party administrator to manage the MUSF and MTEAF funds.