The ORS represents the public interest regarding the telephone service providers in South Carolina.

The ORS Telecommunications Department provides administrative oversight for the following funds and programs:

South Carolina Universal Service Fund

The South Carolina Universal Service Fund (USF) provides monetary support for telecommunications network and services provided by 24 Incumbent Local Exchange Companies (ILECs) in our state. The South Carolina USF also provides funding for Lifeline South Carolina.

Lifeline

Lifeline South Carolina provides an additional discount to state residents that qualify for the Federal Lifeline program. This additional discount is offered through 24 Incumbent Local Exchange Companies (Link to List?) that offer wireline local service in the state.

The Federal Lifeline Program provides a discount on home or cell phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Lifeline is part of the Federal and State Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.

South Carolina Dual Party Relay Fund

The South Carolina Dual Party Relay Fund (DPRF) is funded by the telephone users of the state through their telephone, wireless, VoIP service provider, or prepaid wireless retail outlet. The ORS uses the DPRF funds collected from consumers and businesses to finance the following programs primarily for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities:

Telecommunications Relay Service

The Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is a telephone service that allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls. TRS is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories for local and/or long-distance calls. There is no cost to the TRS user. This service is funded through the Dual-Party Relay fee on all residential and business phone lines.

SC Equipment Distribution Program

The SC Equipment Distribution Program (SCEDP) provides specialized equipment allowing persons who are deaf, hearing- or speech-impaired to place and receive telephone calls. Because the equipment is funded through the Dual-Party Relay fund there is no additional cost for those who use this equipment.

Real-Time Closed Captioning

Real-Time Closed Captioning for local news is funded by the DPRF. The ORS sponsors local news broadcasts on 5 stations in four South Carolina markets.

Closed Captioning for the General Assembly is also funded by the DPRF.