2023 Urban Rate Survey

Here are the 2023 reasonable comparability benchmarks for fixed voice and broadband services for eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that are subject to broadband public interest obligations. 

• Voice Rates. Based on the survey results, the 2023 urban average monthly rate is $36.73. Therefore, the reasonable comparability benchmark for voice services, two standard deviations above the urban average, is $59.62. ETCs must certify the pricing of its basic residential voice services is no more than $59.62.
• Broadband Rates. Recipients of high-cost and/or Connect America Fund support that are subject to broadband performance obligations are required to offer broadband service at rates that are at or below the relevant reasonable comparability benchmark. Carriers subject to the Alaska Plan are required to meet Alaska-specific benchmarks and to certify that they are meeting the relevant reasonable comparability benchmark for their broadband service offering in the FCC Form 481 filed no later than July 1, 2023. The 2023 U.S. Benchmark for 25/3 broadband service is $90.98.