JSI’s Fall Financial Seminar is designed to help companies navigate the evolving financial landscape surrounding today’s broadband networks. The program focuses on key revenue and compliance topics, including NECA settlements, regulated and non-regulated allocations, intercarrier compensation, and external funding opportunities.

As the FCC continues to update universal service and access charge regulations, the cost-settlement environment has become increasingly complex and may significantly affect revenue streams. Understanding the Cost environment and Universal Service Fund mechanisms is essential for maximizing cost recovery while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and successfully managing USAC and other audits.

Through practical insight and industry expertise, the Fall Financial Seminar equips attendees with the knowledge needed to strengthen financial performance and support their company’s continued success.

Key topics include:

• An overview of the FCC rules that impact revenues and other financial results for rural LECs and other providers of voice and broadband telecommunications:
  • Part 32 (Uniform System of Accounts -USOA)
  • Part 64 – Non-Regulated Allocations and Affiliate Transactions
  • Parts 36 and 69 – Separations and Access
• National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) Reviews and Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Audits
• A high-level overview of the cost study and cost allocation processes, including the analysis of the telephone network, operating expenses, and other inputs
• Broadband:
  • Potential policy shifts
  • Current and proposed settlements
• Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) funding:
  • Overview of the categories of funding
  • EA-CAM Model requirements
  • Future proposed policy shifts
• Securing financing through debt or grants, including overview of upcoming BEAD Program

Learning Objectives:

At the end of our 2026 Fall Financial, you will be able to:

• Understand the FCC’s High Cost Support Mechanisms, including EA-CAM, A-CAM and Legacy programs and potential future changes

• Identify the primary drivers of the Federal High Cost Loop and other USF mechanisms

• Analyze regulated revenue sources for purposes of budgeting and forecasting future results

• Understand the key inputs and drivers of the FCC Form 499A, including areas of potential exposure and audit focus

• Understand the process and focus of current USAC and NECA audits

• Understand the impact and treatment of Federal and State Grants. Including accounting and settlement effects

This is a basic-level course for all personnel responsible for financial or operational issues; however, other management, financial, and regulatory staff will also benefit from this program.

Our seminars, led by some of the industry’s most respected experts, provide you with the in-depth analysis that you will need to make to reimagine your future amid many challenges and opportunities.

Attendees will be eligible to receive 20 hours (12 hours specialized knowledge, 8 hours in accounting) of continuing professional education (CPE) credit. For additional information on the CPE credits offered through this program, please refer to the CPE Information below.