Glossary of terms

Everything a Verizon internet, TV, and residential phone customer needs to know in one place!

Taxes, fees, surcharges and other charges vary based on your products and your service location. These fees are separated into two sections on the bill:

Select the first letter of the term to find its definition.

0-9

911 emergency service fee

A fee that Verizon collects to cover costs of providing 911 emergency service. Providing 911 service is required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The0 fee is charged per telephone access line or a percentage of revenue.

911 equalization surcharge

A tax billed to provide supplemental funding to areas that do not collect enough revenue thru the 911 service to maintain an adequate level of service.

A

Account information

Account information can include any personal information that directly relates to an account. This can include account numbers, telephone numbers, mailing addresses, email addresses, etc.

Account number

Numbers, letters or alphanumeric code assigned to every customer used to identify existing service accounts. This number can be found on the upper right portion of your bill that identifies you and your billing telephone number.

Additional services and equipment discounts

Describes any extra charges included on monthly statement for items that are not included in your service package. Also included are a description of any discounts applied to monthly statement.

Account summary

Overview of account information, including the balance on the account for the current billing period.

Adjustments and credits

Detailed information on status of credits, returned checks and other adjustments applied to your account.

Agent Assistance Fee (AAF)

A premium service fee that may be charged on active accounts upon a customer's request for a Verizon agent's assistance in setting up a payment arrangement. To avoid an AAF charge, customers are eligible to sign in to make payment arrangements at no charge through the My Verizon App or at Verizon.com.

Autopay

Funds are automatically debited from a bank account or charged to a credit card every month for the total amount due of your services.

B

Basic local services

Allows unlimited calls in your local calling area.

Bill date

The first day of the billing period.

Billing cycle/bill period

The dates on your bill representing the period during which you were charged for products, services, and usage.

Broadcast fee

A monthly fee charged by Local Programming Providers to access basic programming channels and is subject to change.

C

Carrier cost recovery charge

A monthly surcharge Verizon Long Distance and Verizon Enterprise Solutions are permitted to assess to defray the following:

Charges or fees for non-directory numbers

There is no monthly charge to keep non-listed numbers out of the telephone directory.

Cramming

The fraudulent practice of adding unauthorized charges to a customer's phone bill.

CTCAP (Telephone Connection Assistance Program)

CTCAP is a program that provides discounts for telephone service to eligible customers in Connecticut who qualify for financial assistance.

Current activity

Display of the charges and services being used to date.

Customer name

The person whose name is on the bill. The Listed Name can be different from the Bill Name. The Bill Name is the customer.

D

Details of current charges

A breakdown of service fees and other charges such as equipment purchase, Fios TV, internet, as well as On Demand purchases.

Directory assistance

More commonly known as 411, a service that provides national and local phone numbers for a fee.

DIRECTV account

Account associated with your DIRECTV service. Please visit Support.Directv.com for DIRECTV support or account issues.

Dual party relay service/telecommunications relay service

Provides telecommunication services for those with special needs. The fee is calculated on either a percent of revenue or on a per telephone line basis.

E

Emergency service fee for 911 / 911 surcharge

Funds required to cover the costs of providing 911 emergency responses. The fee is based on either a percentage of revenue or charged per telephone line.

Estimated first bill charges

Approximate total of one time charges and fees, and any prorated charges for additional days outside of billing cycle, plus a full month of charges billed in advance.

Estimated monthly charges

Approximate monthly bill amount, excluding usage and any changes made to your account since your initial order. This is not an actual bill. Your actual bill may vary from this estimate.

F

Federal access recovery charge

Surcharges that help the carrier defray the costs of federal, state and local regulations.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

This government regulatory agency ensures that all forms of communications technology in use in the United States follow a standard set of guidelines. Questions about charges on your bill imposed by the FCC, correspondence may be directed to:

Informal Complaints and Public Inquiries Branch

Enforcement Division, Common Carriers Bureau

Federal Communications Commission

Washington, D.C. 20554

You may call the FCC directly at 888.225.5322.

Federal excise tax

A 3% federal tax on local- only services, which are services not bundled with other services such as long distance service.

Federal subscriber line charge

This monthly Verizon surcharge is authorized by the Federal Communications Commission which mandates that local telephone companies pay an access charge on each local telephone line to partially reimburse long distance companies for the cost of routing long distance calls to and from local customers. The charge is applied on a per line basis.

Federal tax

This tax is a percentage of the cost of your services and appears on the local phone portion of your bill. The percentage used to calculate the amount of the tax appears with the charge. For example, "Federal excise tax at 3%.

Federal universal service fund (FUSF) charge or Fee

This monthly Verizon surcharge allows Verizon and Verizon Long Distance to recover from its customers the funds it pays to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on interstate services to support the FCC’s universal service programs. The FCC regulates this charge; reviewing and adjusting the fee quarterly based on the FCC’s quarterly FUSF contribution factor. The FCC uses the fund to help keep local telephone rates affordable for all customers, support telecommunications services in schools, public libraries, and rural health-care facilities and subsidize local service to high-cost areas and low-income customers. *This charge does not apply to Lifeline customers.

Fios digital voice (FDV) administrative charge

This monthly line charge helps defray account servicing costs associated with providing voice services. This surcharge is applied by Verizon and is not a tax or fee assessed by a government agency.

Fios TV broadcast fee

This monthly fee helps cover a portion of the costs currently charged by local programming providers to Verizon for basic tier programming channels and is subject to change.

Franchise related cost

A local franchise authority may impose a financial obligation on Verizon to support public, educational and government programming channels in your local Fios TV franchise area. Depending upon the specific provisions included in the local franchise agreement between your community and Verizon, the fee is either based on the percentage of Fios TV revenue generated in your local franchise area, a per subscriber amount, or a lump sum payment. On your bill under Verizon Surcharges, you may see any one or all the following fees: PEG Grant Fee, PEG Support Fee or Franchise Related Costs.

Flat rate service

A type of telephone service that offers an unlimited number of local calls within a specified calling area for a fixed monthly rate.

Fraud

Fraud is the illegal use of your phone number or Verizon account by someone without your permission.

G

H

HSI (high speed internet)

Internet speeds operating faster than dial-up are defined as high speed.

I

Installation charges

Installation charges generally appear on your first bill in the One Time Charges section. It is normally billed over three months. Installation examples include adding additional wires and jacks or outlets for phone, internet or TV service.

Interstate/intrastate access charges

These are FCC allowable charges that reimburse your local telephone company for providing access to the long-distance network. This regulated charge must be passed on to all customers' telephone lines, whether they make long distance calls or not.

Internet service provider (ISP)

An ISP provides individuals and companies access to the internet.

IntraLATA calls

An IntraLATA call is either a local call made within your local calling area, or a local toll call made outside of your local calling area but within your LATA (Local Access Transport Area). LATAs define geographical boundaries of local telephone service networks decided by the federal government. Calls made between LATAs are referred to as InterLATA or long distance calls. An InterLATA call could be to a different LATA within your state, to another state, or to another country.

J

K

L

Late payment calculations

A percentage (1.5%) or minimum fee, whichever is greater. May differ by state.

Late payment charges

Fees billed to the account when there is an overdue balance from the previous month's bill.

Lifeline service

Lifeline service makes local telephone service available to people who might not be able to afford it. If you qualify for Lifeline assistance, you will receive a reduced rate on your Verizon monthly bill. Toll blocking service is available to Lifeline customers at no charge.

Eligibility requirements vary by state. Please visit the Lifeline Support Web site at lifelinesupport.org to find out if you qualify for Lifeline in your state.

Link-Up America

Customers who receive financial assistance can qualify for Link-Up America, a program designed to promote universal service by providing a discount on installation/connection charges for new phone service.

Qualifications for Link-Up America vary by state. Please visit the Lifeline Support Web site at lifelinesupport.org to find out if you qualify for Lifeline and/or Link-up in your state.

Listed service

Names, telephone numbers and addresses published in the Verizon telephone directory and listed in Verizon directory assistance.

Local calling area and local calls

Your local calling area. The geographic area within your LATA (Local Access Transport Area), which you can call without a toll.

Local calls

Calls within your local calling area that generally do not generate a toll are local calls. Your local calling area is defined by your local calling service plan.

Local toll charges

The cost for calls made to areas outside your local calling area, but not considered long distance.

Local usage rates

Time and day of the week discounts apply to all calls which are originated within discount periods. The rate periods for weekday and weekends are the following: Weekday Rate -- applies directly dialed local messages placed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Night and Weekend Rate -- applies to direct dialed local messages placed Monday through Friday, 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Long distance

Calls made outside your LATA (Local Access Transport Area) regional boundaries are long distance calls. Long distance calls are made from one LATA to another and are also referred to as InterLATA. Long distance calls include out-of-state calls, and sometimes in-state calls, depending on how the LATAs are drawn in your area.

Long distance access charge

Formerly named the Federal Access Charge, this monthly surcharge is assessed to long distance customers to help defray the access costs charged to Verizon Enterprise Solutions and Verizon Long Distance (or its agents) by local telephone companies.

Long distance administrative charge

This monthly line charge helps defray account servicing costs associated with providing state to state and international services. This surcharge is applied by Verizon Enterprise Solutions and Verizon Long Distance and is not a tax or fee assessed by a government agency.

Long distance carrier

The telephone service provider that connects users to long distance numbers. You can determine your long distance provider by dialing (700) 555-4141 from any phone in your home that is serviced by Verizon.

M

Miscellaneous surcharges and fees

Local government agencies require Verizon to collect funds for different purposes, such as burying cable (MA Buried Cable Surcharge) or funding transportation (NY Metropolitan Transit Authority Surcharge). The amount varies by state and surcharge.

Monthly charges

Total of all current charges and or credits for Verizon and any other service providers listed.

Monthly rates

Monthly charges for basic services.

Monthly service - non-regulated and non-basic

Non-regulated services are services provided by Verizon that are not subject to federal or state regulations. Non-basic services are services provided by Verizon that may or may not be subject to federal or state regulations, depending on the specific state requirements.

Monthly service - non-regulated

Monthly products and services that are not regulated or tariffed by the state's public utility commission. Items included in this section vary by state.

Monthly service - regulated

Itemized monthly products and services that are regulated and tariffed by the state's public utility commission.

Multi-room DVR service

Multi-Room DVR is an upgrade to the Fios TV DVR service that allows you to watch a program recorded on your DVR from other TV sets in your home that are connected to a regular (non-DVR) Set-Top Box. The Multi-Room DVR feature also allows you to begin watching a recorded program on one TV in your home, pause the recording, then continue watching it on another TV in your home.

Municipal franchise fee/right of way fee

This monthly Verizon surcharge recovers Verizon’s costs where a jurisdiction charges Verizon for the use of the municipal public right of way to provide telecommunications services. This fee is generally charged per telephone line and may be referred to on your bill as a Municipal Franchise Fee, Right of Way Fee or State Infrastructure and Maintenance Fee.

N

New charges

Summary of charges that is listed by bundle and single price points for each type of additional services, voice, TV, internet, or wireless. Also displayed is a single price for taxes and charges from other providers.

New promotions

Message that appears in the Verizon News section that details any new promotions that are beginning that month on your account.

NY State & Local Tax Surcharges

NY municipal construction surcharge

The NY Municipal Construction Surcharge recovers a portion of the expenses Verizon incurs for relocation of its facilities that are in the public rights-of-way to prevent interference with street repairs, public construction projects or other activities required for public health, safety or convenience. The charge is applicable to a customer's High Speed Internet, Fios Internet or Fios Digital Voice subscription and is reflected in the Verizon Surcharges and Other Charges & Credits section of the bill.

Non-basic

Non-basic services include optional services, such as Call Waiting, Caller ID, and maintenance agreements for Inside Wire.

Non-basic regional calls

Non-basic taxes and surcharges

On your bill, this term refers to federal, state, and local taxes and surcharges that are not related to the basic service portion of your bill.

Non-listed number

Your name, address and telephone number are not published in the directory, but are available from directory assistance. A service fee will not apply to have your number non-listed.

Non-primary line

A line added to your service address after the installation of your primary line. You can have more than one non-primary phone line. In addition, a non-primary phone line may be billed separately from your primary or other non-primary phone lines. In addition, your primary or other non-primary lines can be billed under different names.

Non-published number

Your name, address and telephone number are not published in the directory white pages, and your telephone number is not available from directory assistance.

Non-regulated charges

Charges that appear on your bill for services that are not subject to state public utility commission regulations.

Non-regulated/non-basic services

Non-regulated/non-basic services are services provided by Verizon which are not subject to federal or state regulations.

O

One-time charges or credits

Includes one-time charges such as installation or activation of new service and any one-time subscriptions. Example: one-time installation would cover the activation of any additional outlets or installation of new outlets.

OCC (other charges and credits)

On your bill, OCC is a catch-all term for charges and credits not included in the main fee categories printed on the first page of your bill.

Other providers

The line on the first page of your bill that shows the total of all charges associated with services provided by providers other than Verizon.

Other service charges

Charges for services that are billed on a per-use basis, such as directory assistance and voice mail.

Overdue balance

Any unpaid amount from the last bill. Does not include payments processed after billing date.

P

Packaged service

Service that includes multiple products and features for one set price.

Partial month charges or credits

Verizon bills services one month in advance. If your services are activated in the middle of the monthly bill cycle, Verizon will bill for the partial month as well as the following full month. EXAMPLE: If your statement date (bill cycle) is on the 15th day of each month and your service is activated on the 1st, your partial month charges would be for 15 days of service from the 1st up to the 15th. If a change is made in the Activation Date of your order, Verizon will adjust your Partial Month Charges and Credits based on the new date and number of days in the Partial Month. Some voice services in MA and RI do not bill in advance.

Past due balances

Unpaid balance from the previous bill. Does not include payments and credits processed after billing date.

Past due notice

A statement on the first page of your bill, indicating that you have an outstanding balance with Verizon.

Payment address

The address where you send your monthly payment. Always use the payment address on your Verizon bill when you mail your payment. The address is based on the Verizon accounting office nearest to where you live.

Payment due date

Date that payments must be received by to avoid a late fee.

Payment received

Amount paid on the last bill. Does not include payments processed after billing date.

Payments

Amount sent for the balance due. On occasion, you may have sent us a payment that was not processed in time to reflect on your current billing statement. Please deduct any amount already paid before sending your current payment.

Pay-per-use calling service

A section on your Verizon bill that itemizes charges for calling features such as *69. Some features are available as 'pay-per-use' features, which means that you may pay as you use them rather than paying a monthly flat fee.

Pay-per-use services

Some features are available as 'pay-per-use' features, which means paying for each time they are used rather than paying a monthly flat fee.

PEG grant fee

A local franchise authority may impose a financial obligation on Verizon to support public, educational and government programming channels in your local Fios TV franchise area. Depending upon the specific provisions included in the local franchise agreement between your community and Verizon, the fee is either based on the percentage of Fios TV revenue generated in your local franchise area, a per subscriber amount, or a lump sum payment. On your bill under Verizon surcharges, you may see any one or all of the following fees: PEG Grant Fee, PEG Support Fee or Franchise Related Costs.

PEG support fee

A local franchise authority may impose a financial obligation on Verizon to support public, educational and government programming channels in your local Fios TV franchise area. Depending upon the specific provisions included in the local franchise agreement between your community and Verizon, the fee is either based on the percentage of Fios TV revenue generated in your local franchise area, a per subscriber amount, or a lump sum payment. On your bill under Verizon surcharges, you may see any one or all the following fees: PEG Grant Fee, PEG Support Fee or Franchise Related Costs.

Poison control surcharge

In some states, regulations require that we collect funds for the Poison Control Network in your area that provides information on poison remedies 24 hours a day.

Previous balance

Total charges on the last bill.

Previous charges

Details of the charges from the last bill.

Previous period

Total charges on the last bill.

Message that appears in the Verizon News sections that details any promotions you have that may be ending that month.

PUC (public utility commission)

A government agency that sets and enforces regulations for all state utilities including all phone service providers.

Q

Quick bill summary

A summary of previous balances and payments, and all new charges on your current bill.

R

Rate adjustment

On your bill, a rate adjustment reflects a prorated portion of a monthly charge for a service or feature.

Regional long distance/local toll calls

Calls outside of your local calling area are regional toll calls, also known as local toll calls. These calls are IntraLATA calls; calls that are not within your local calling area, but are within your LATA (Local Access Transport Area). LATAs are defined by geographical boundaries drawn by the federal government. Local toll calls can be handled by your local service provider or by a provider of your choice. Many companies now offer both IntraLATA (local and local toll service) and InterLATA (long distance service) plans.

Regional sports network fee

This monthly fee helps to cover the rising cost of delivering regional collegiate and professional sports programming to subscribers. The fee is assessed only on customers who have subscribed to programming packages that include Regional Sports Networks.

Regulatory recovery fee - federal

This fee is a monthly Verizon surcharge that helps to recover the annual per video subscriber fee that Verizon pays to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fund the FCC’s administrative costs.

Regulated charges

Regulated charges that appear on your bill are subject to federal or state (such as PUC) regulations.

Regulated/basic services

Regulated and basic charges are services provided by Verizon that are subject to federal or state regulations. Basic charges are services that may or may not be subject to federal or state regulations.

Relay service funding

This charge funds an attendant relay system that allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and/or speech impaired to communicate over the telephone.

Requested change in service

Includes any changes made to products or services that you request after your initial order. For example, an upgrade from a Standard Set Top Box to a High Definition Box would result in a change to your initial order.

Residential telephone service

The monthly service (and related charges) you receive from Verizon covering the use of residential phones in your home.

Restatement of charges

An informational grid that is required to be displayed on the bill in some states that shows a breakdown of charges by category. You can use this as a guide to tell what charges your payment is applied to if you don't pay in full.

Right of way fee/municipal franchise fee

This monthly Verizon surcharge recovers Verizon’s costs where a jurisdiction charges Verizon for the use of the municipal public right of way to provide telecommunications services. This fee is generally charged per telephone line and may be referred to on your bill as a municipal franchise fee, right of way fee or state infrastructure and maintenance Fee.

S

Service providers

Message that shows the provider for each service that you have and the cost associated with each service in the bundle price.

Slamming

Slamming is the unauthorized switching of a customer's long distance company. Your telephone service provider is required to have authorization and third-party verification before requesting that Verizon change customers' service providers. Some companies do not adhere strictly to this requirement. Many companies use telemarketers to sell their services and consumers need to make their company preference clear to sales representatives.

Specials and promotions

The Specials and Promotions section of the bill includes full month credits on your bill for special pricing, bundle promotions that last less than 12 months, and any other promotional discounts.

State and local sales tax/state and local communications services tax

Sales taxes are imposed on the sale or purchase of specified products and services and are required or permitted to be collected from customers. These taxes include state, county and city sales taxes as well as taxes collected by special purpose district agencies and mass transit agencies (MTA).

State infrastructure maintenance fee

This monthly Verizon surcharge recovers Verizon’s costs of using the public right of way in the state of Illinois. The fee is charged per telephone line.

State and local sales tax/local communications services tax

Government agencies impose and Verizon collects taxes from purchasers of specified products and services. These taxes include state, county and city sales taxes as well as taxes collected by special purpose district agencies and mass transit agencies (MTA). The products subject to tax and the amount of the tax varies by area.

State sales tax

Government agencies impose and Verizon collects taxes on behalf of state governments from purchasers of products and services. The products subject to tax and the amount of the tax varies by area.

State transaction privilege tax

This monthly Verizon surcharge recovers from customers the cost of the state tax on gross revenue paid by Verizon in Arizona.

State universal service fund

This fee is a monthly surcharge billed to customers to recover the state universal service fee paid by Verizon to states on applicable services. The funds are used to help keep local telecommunication rates affordable for all customers, support telecommunications services in schools, public libraries, and rural health-care facilities, and subsidize local services to high-cost areas and low-income customers.

State utility gross receipts tax surcharge/telecommunications services excise tax

Applied per line, this monthly Verizon surcharge recovers from customers the state or local tax on gross revenue paid by Verizon, and may be referred to on your bill as a gross receipts tax surcharge, a telecommunications services excise tax surcharge, or a state transaction privilege tax surcharge.

Statement date

The date that your bill was processed.

Statement ending

Your bill lists charges incurred during your billing period. The statement ending date is the close of the billing period and the last date charges were available to place on your bill.

Subscriber line charge/access charges

The subscriber line charge is a fee that helps telephone companies, such as Verizon, recover costs for maintaining outside telephone wires, underground conduits, telephone poles, and other necessary facilities and equipment. Certain states mandate an equivalent state charge, which then helps offset the cost of telephone service in that state. So, in some cases, you will find both a federal (or Interstate) and a state (or Intrastate) subscriber line charge on your bill.

Surcharges

Local governments assess municipal surcharges and fees for special bonds or levies. The amount collected is sent to them.

Surcharges and taxes

Required federal, state and local taxes and fees. Amount collected is sent to them.

T

Taxes, governmental surcharges and fees

This section of the bill includes the federal excise tax, local and state sales tax and the 911 surcharge.

Taxes and surcharges - local toll calls

Federal, state and local taxes and surcharges on your local toll charges.

Taxes and surcharges - non-regulated/non-basic

Federal, state and local taxes and surcharges on your non-regulated/non-basic services.

Taxes and surcharges - basic/regulated

Your telephone bill reflects required federal, state, and local taxes and surcharges for items such as 911 fees and the interstate subscriber use fee.

Taxes, fees, and other charges

Taxes and fees differ by location and the services on your account. Some taxes and fees are required to be billed and Verizon acts as the collection agent while other taxes and fees are imposed on Verizon and allowed to be surcharged.

Taxes, fees, and other Verizon charges

Section of bill that includes all applicable taxes, surcharges, fees and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) charges for your area, as well as any late payment fees, returned payment fees, and employee concessions.

Taxes, governmental surcharges and fees

Subsection of the taxes, fees, and other charges section of the bill that contains Federal, state, and local taxes and surcharges such as Federal excise taxes, 911 charges, and state and county taxes if applicable.

Toll charges

Charges for local calling outside service areas and long distance calls.

Total new charges due

This appears in the new charges section on the first page of the bill. The date indicated is when new charges are due to avoid a late fee when any overdue balance is due immediately.

Telecommunications relay service/dual party relay service

The state government authorities use the funds collected by Verizon to provide telecommunications services for those with special needs. The fee is calculated on either a percent of revenue or on a per line basis.

Telecommunications services excise tax/state utility gross receipts tax surcharge

Applied per line, this monthly Verizon surcharge recovers from customers the state or local tax on gross revenue paid by Verizon, and may be referred to on your bill as a gross receipts tax surcharge, a telecommunications services excise tax surcharge, or a state transaction privilege tax surcharge.

Total amount due

The amount you currently owe Verizon for your monthly telephone service.

Total basic charges

Total of basic charges shown on the bill. These charges include line charges and local calling plus taxes and surcharges.

Total due

The amount you currently owe Verizon for your monthly service.

Total new charges

Total of recently added services or fees listed on the bill. These are charges for the current billing period.

Total specials and promotions

Total of promotions, credits and discounts shown in this section of the bill.

Total toll charges

Shows total charges for telephone calls beyond local but not quite long distance. This amount includes tax and surcharge applied to toll calls.

Total Verizon charges

The combined total of your regulated/basic, local toll and non-regulated/non-basic charges. This amount represents all the services provided to you by Verizon as your local telephone company.

Touch-tone

Touch-tone dialing service.

TTY-TDD

Device that allows individuals with speech or hearing disabilities to send and receive typed messages over a standard telephone line.

TV additional services

The total of all charges for products associated with your internet service that are not included in the bundle. This can be found under New Charges.

TV services

The list of all services or products associated with your TV service when you do not have a bundle. This can be found under New Charges.

U

Unpaid bill charges and account adjustments

Any account adjustments or unpaid charges from a previous bill will be carried over to the following month's bill and will display as a credit or charge on previous balance.

Unpublished telephone number

Your name, address and telephone number are not published in the directory, and your telephone number is not available from directory assistance.

Unlisted telephone number

Your name, address and telephone number are not published in the directory, but are available from directory assistance.

Usage

Includes any usage related charges such as those for Pay Per View or directory assistance.

Usage detail

A more detailed breakout of calling and usage charges associated with calling plans that may be on your account.

V

Verizon news

Message section in the left column on page 1 of the converged bill. This section contains fulfillment and marketing messages as well as messages that tell when a promotion is starting or ending.

Verizon online account

Account number on your bill that is associated with your Verizon online internet service.

Verizon payment address

The address where you send your monthly payment. Always use the payment address on your Verizon bill when you mail your payment.

Verizon Reads donation

If you have checked the box on the first page of your phone bill or called your local business office and signed up to be a literacy champion, a tax-deductible $1 donation will be included monthly in the Verizon section of your bill. Contributions will benefit Verizon Reads, a non-profit effort supporting literacy programs. Phone service will not be terminated for non-payment of this contribution. To discontinue your literacy donation, call the phone number listed on the front of your bill.

Verizon surcharges and other charges & credits

When applicable this section will display the Federal subscriber line and access recovery charge associated with voice service. Federal service fees, state and local surcharges and or funds are also billed in this section.

Video franchise fee

This monthly fee allows Verizon to recover from its customers the cost of the video franchise fee Verizon is required to pay to local franchise authorities, which may be up to 5.26% of the gross revenues from Fios TV services, in order to provide TV services.

Video public educational and government grant fees "PEG fee"

Each local franchise authority has the right to impose support obligations on Verizon to cover the funding costs of providing public, educational and government programming channels to the cable television subscribers within the franchise area. Some communities may also have an Institutional network fee or I-NET fee to cover the costs of providing dedicated network services to large institutions; schools, hospitals, emergency workers, etc. These charges are added to customers’ bills to collect the payments that Verizon makes to the local franchise authority. These fees can be either in the form of a per cable television subscriber fee or in the form of a percent of gross revenues for the sale of cable television services.

Video regulatory fee

This fee recovers the amount Verizon pays to fund the administrative costs of one or more regulatory bodies; whether that is the Federal Communications Commission that is funded on a per subscriber fee basis or a state regulator that may be funded on a per subscriber or percentage of cable television revenue basis.

Voice additional services

The total of all charges for products associated with your voice service that are not included in the bundle. This can be found in the New Charges section.

Voice services

Section on your bill that shows all of the products and their charges that are associated with your voice service.