Number: RL30052
Title: Telephone Bills: Charges on Local Phone Bills
Authors: James R. Riehl, Congressional Reference Division 
Abstract: This report provides background information on various charges that may appear on a telephone bill. With the continuing transformation of the telecommunications industry and following passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, more and more itemized charges are appearing on telephone bills. Explanation of items such as the federal telephone excise tax, subscriber line charges, presubscribed interexchange carrier charges, universal service, relay center surcharges, 911 charges, and charges associated with the implementation of local number portability are provided. Background information on "cramming" is also provided.
Pages: 27
Date: January 6, 2005