Here’s a hard truth about the USAC audit process: audits are random. The audit selection process is designed to produce a sample of auditees from across the telecommunications industry landscape, without targeting companies based on size or revenue. What this means is that no company is considered “safe” or out of the line of fire based on its small size or lack of revenue.
The good news is that there are straightforward actions your business can take to prepare for the eventuality that is the USAC audit process. The process starts with preparation.
Free Download: The CommLaw Group’s Guide to Surviving a USAC Audit
Our Firm recommends performing a pre-audit compliance & revenue reporting optimization review to arm your company with all of the facts and options: (1) facts about the likely outcome of a USAC audit resulting from existing policies & practices and (2) options to mitigate exposure, thus reducing the financial impact and impositions in the event of an audit.
As discussed in our firm’s Primer on USAC Audits & FCC Appeals, USAC has a tendency to interpret and apply FCC rules and precedent broadly with the goal of capturing more USF-assessable revenue. Through hefty fines and an uncertain appeal process, the government often has the upper hand. Our attorneys can help your business prepare for an audit, defend your business during an audit, and maintain compliance with FCC rules on an ongoing basis.
If you have questions or concerns about the audit process, take a look at our free Guide to Surviving a USAC audit, and feel free to contact The CommLaw Group. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and tools to assist your business with the audit process.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jonathan S. Marashlian at jsm@CommLawGroup.com or by phone: 703-714-1313, or visit our USAC Compliance, Audit Preparation and Defense practice website.