What is the FCC Subscriber Line Charge?

The FCC instituted the Subscriber Line Charge in the 1980's to begin collecting more of the costs of the telephone network from local rates.  The FCC ordered more of the cost of the network be allocated to local service and recovered through a surcharge, the Subscriber Line Charge. The FUSC surcharge is a recovery of contributions to the Federal Universal Service Fund.  The surcharge is an assessment on interstate and international long distance charges along with the FCC Subscriber Line Charge. This surcharge supports the Communications Act of 1934 requirement that the level and price of phone service in rural areas be comparable to urban areas.