The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has released an Order adopting the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc.’s (NECA) formula for the annual average schedule company high-cost loop support (HCLS) formula for 2026. As such, 2026 HCLS payments will be based on cost per loop (CPL) calculations using NECA’s 2026 formula as filed, with approximately $7.4 million in payments to carriers serving 65 average schedule study areas. The new formula is effective as of January 1, 2026.
