Legal
Updated January 12, 2024
Dialwave charges taxes and fees associated with the provision of its Services. Surcharges, taxes, fees and other charges are applied to monetary additions to your prepaid balance, based on your geographical location.
1. Federal Communications Program Fees
1.1 Federal Universal Service Fund Fee
The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") requires that Dialwave contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund ("FUSF") based on revenue derived from certain Services. The FUSF is used to promote the access of telecommunications services at reasonable rates for those living in rural and high-cost areas, income-eligible consumers, rural health care facilities, and schools and libraries. Dialwave is permitted, but not required, to recover these costs from its customers. The Universal Service Administrative Company, on behalf of the FCC, sets the applicable FUSF rate on a quarterly basis.
1.2 FCC Regulatory Fee
The FCC Regulatory Fee is a fee paid by Interstate Telecommunications Service Providers to fund the FCC. The fee recovers the costs associated with federal regulatory proceedings and compliance.
1.3 Telecommunications Relay Services Fund Fee
The FCC requires that Dialwave contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Services ("TRS") Fund based on revenue derived from certain Services. The TRS Fund reimburses TRS providers for the cost of providing interstate TRS services. TRS services are telephone transmission services that provide hearing or speech challenged individuals with the ability to use a traditional telephone. The contribution percentage varies annually.
2. State and Local Taxes and Fees
2.1 State and Local Taxes
States, counties, cities, and special taxing districts may assess various taxes on Dialwave's Services or sales. These may include specific taxes on communications services, sales, use and excise taxes, gross receipts taxes, property taxes and others.
2.1 State Universal Service Funds
Certain states require that Dialwave contributes to their Universal Service Funds. The funds may be used to assist in providing universal service and to support a variety of other programs at the state level. These contributions vary by state.
2.2 State Telecommunications Relay Services Funds
Certain states require Dialwave that contributes to their TRS funds to offset the cost of providing local transmission services that provide hearing or speech challenged individuals with the ability to use a traditional telephone. These contributions vary by state.
2.3 State and Local Emergency Services Fees
Certain states and localities require Dialwave to collect a fee to help support state and local Enhanced 911 (E-911) Funds. These funds support state and local 911 services. These fees vary by state and locality.
3. Other Fees
3.1 Carrier Cost Recovery Fee
The Carrier Cost Recovery Fee ("CCRF") is a fee that Dialwave charges to recover the various costs and expenses that it incurs in connection with:
- Ensuring customer privacy protection;
- Complying with legal, regulatory, and other requirements, including without limitation federal, state, and local reporting and filing requirements;
- Responding to subpoenas, civil investigative demands, and other official requests, and otherwise assisting with official investigations; and
- Reporting and managing payments to third-party telecommunications service providers.
The CCRF is not a tax, nor is it mandated by any level of the government or government agency.