§ 69.616 - Independent subsidiary functions.

(a) The independent subsidiary shall be solely responsible for administering the universal service support mechanisms for high-cost areas and low-income consumers, including billing contributors, collecting contributions to the universal service support mechanisms, and disbursing universal service support funds. The independent subsidiary also shall be required to perform any other duties of the Administrator that relate to the billing, collection, and disbursement of funds that are specified elsewhere in the Commission's universal service rules.

(b) With respect to the universal service support mechanisms for schools, libraries, and rural health care providers, the independent subsidiary shall be responsible for billing contributors to the universal service support mechanisms, collecting contributions to the universal service support mechanisms, and disbursing universal service support funds within 20 days following receipt of authorization to disburse such funds from the Schools and Libraries Corporation and Rural Health Care Corporation.

(c) The independent subsidiary may advocate positions before the Commission and its staff only on administrative matters relating to the universal service support mechanisms.

(d) The independent subsidiary shall maintain books of account separate from those of the association. The independent subsidiary's books of account shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The independent subsidiary may borrow start-up funds from the association. Such funds may not be drawn from the Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) fund or TRS administrative expense accounts.