Practical Penumbra

WTF is FUSF?????

Well, as if the government doesn't get enough of my hard-earned money sucked directly out of my paycheck every week, now they have an internet access tax! I am not making this up. People who are all for taxing evil capitalist businesses haven't figured out who really pays those taxes--we do!

Take, for an example, The Federal Universal Service Fund*.

Verizon Online is assessed the FUSF fee by its suppliers (companies that provide the network services Verizon Online uses to bring you DSL service), which are required to contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund on revenues they receive for transporting Internet service over telephone lines.

So, Verizon, naturally, passes along the "required contribution" (tax!! just say tax!!!) to me in the form of a Supplier Federal Universal Service Fund Recovery fee.

From Verizon's site:

Q: Why do I have to pay a Supplier FUSF Recovery Fee on my Verizon Online DSL service if I’m already paying for it on my local Verizon telephone service?

A: Wireline broadband Internet access services are classified by the Federal Communications Commission as "information services", with a telecommunications component, rather than telecommunications services. In other words, your DSL service is classified as separate from your telephone service. Both types of services are subject to FUSF fees, even though they run on the same “wire line” into your home.

Q: Why does Verizon Online charge a Supplier FUSF Recovery Fee on Verizon Online DSL service and not on Verizon Online Dial-up service?

A: Verizon Online is not assessed the FUSF fee by its suppliers on dial-up service due to specific FUSF regulations concerning broadband Internet access.

Q: Where can I find out more information?

A: Much more information on the Federal Universal Service Fund, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and what the FUSF is used for, can be found on the FCC’s Web site: www.fcc.gov.

Grrrr.....Now I have to pay an extra $2.34 a month internet access tax, on top of the all the other taxes and surcharges and fees (for example, I have to pay $7 a month for "Interstate non-primary access" for my phone, even though I don't make interstate--or any long distance--calls. Then there's the federal excise tax, the state sales tax, the telecommunications and relay services tax, the Federal Universal Service Fee tax, the 911 service tax...) That money has to come from somewhere, government folks! Unlike you, I can't just issue bonds....

Anybody for a tea party?

*Supposedly this tax is to keep phones and internet "affordable" for schools and public libraries. Hello!!!!!!!!! I'm already paying taxes to support schools and public libraries!!! Let them find the money in their current budget like everybody else! Sheesh....

Posted by Susie at July 17, 2004 01:27 PM