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Residential basic service rates apply to private residences where the service is used primarily or
dominantly for social or domestic purposes. Basic service includes a one-party line, access to the
NPTC network, pushbutton dialing capability, and unlimited calls to your local
calling area.
Business basic service rates apply to service furnished at a business location or any other place where
the service is used primarily or predominantly for business, professional or institutional purposes.
Basic service includes a one-party line, access to the NPTC network, pushbutton dialing capability,
and unlimited calls to your local calling area.
The FCC Dial Tone Line Charge is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized charge to compensate
local telephone companies. It helps to pay for the use of the telephone facilities that connects the
customer to the network for interstate toll calls. It is a required portion of the Basic Service Charges,
which enables you to have telephone service.
The Telecom Relay Service Charge is ordered by the Public Service Commission to fund the relay service
for hearing and speech impaired customers. This surcharge applies regardless of whether or not the
access line uses the Pennsylvania Telecommunications Relay Service. The revenue collected from this charge
is turned over to the Pennsylvania Telecommunications Relay Service. NPTC receives no revenue from the
Telecom Relay Service Charge.
The State Tax Adjustment Surcharge (STAS) permits public utilities (telecommunications included) under
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) jurisdiction, to recover portions of the Capital Stock Tax,
Corporate Net Income Tax, Gross Receipts Tax and Public Utility Realty Tax from their customers. Any PA PUC
ordered increases or decreases in the Capital Stock Tax, Corporate Net Income Tax, Gross Receipts Tax and
Public Utility Realty Tax will be passed on to customers through adjustments to the surcharge.
The Federal Universal Service Charge (FUSC) is prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission and is
designed to help keep local telephone service rates affordable for all customers, in all areas of the United
States. This fund also makes it possible for telephone companies to assist low-income customers that qualify,
through lifeline assistance programs. Finally, the Universal Service Fund provides support for
telecommunications services used by schools and libraries across the nation, as well as rural healthcare
providers, creating broader access to services like Internet access and Distance Learning programs.
A "Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act 911 Fee" is collected by mandate of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, the PA Public Utility Commission, and the Emergency Management Agencies in Allegheny, Armstrong
and Butler counties. This monthly fee funds the 911 systems in those counties. All NPTC customers residing in
Allegheny County, Armstrong County, and Butler County are billed per month per line. NPTC acts as the
collection agent, but receives no revenue from the fee.
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