¹Rural Telephone Coalition v. FCC, 838 F.2d 1307, 1315(D.C. Cir. 1988).

[2] Throughout the remaining answers, "universal service" will accordingly be used as a substitute for "core services."

[3] Even greater conflict with the intent of Congress to limit universal service compensation to actual universal service providers would be evident if an entrant sought compensation as an additional eligible carrier in a rural LEC study area without adhering to the statutory standards for designation.

[4] See, MTS and WATS Market Structure, et al, CC Docket Nos. 78-72 and 80-286, 2 FCC Rcd 2953 (1987), on recon., 3 FCC Rcd 4543 (1988); Policies and Rules Concerning Rates for Dominant Carriers, CC Docket No. 87-313, 5 FCC Rcd 6786 (1990), on recon., 6 FCC Rcd 2637 (1991).

[5] Rural differences have been the subject of numerous record showings in Joint Board and Commission proceedings, including showings of proxy shortcomings in CC Docket No. 80-286, CC Docket No. 96-45 and CC Docket No. 96-98. Congress recognized the importance of rural differences repeatedly in the Act; [[section]][[section]]3(47) (definition), 251(f)(1) and (2), 253, 254 (high cost measures) and 214(e). See, also, [[section]]259.

[6] See note 1, above.

[7] Toll rate averaging will have to be made available where it is unavailable now. This could include rural LECs' operating in states or areas where intrastate interexchange carriers have been excused from averaging or serving as the toll carrier of last resort, as well as some insular areas.