The fourth quarter for 2013 starts today and there was a small increase in the proposed contribution factor from 15.1% to 15.6%.  

Each quarter the FCC, Congress and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), administers the federal Universal Service Fund (USF). The percentage, also known as the contribution factor must be paid by all telecommunication companies.  The reason behind paying the USF is to offer support to low-income consumers, schools, libraries, rural areas, and much more.