The short answer
The registry records Telecommunications Carrier Regulatory and Administrative Surcharge as a possible interpretation of ADMIN & TELCO RECOVERY CHARGE. This descriptor-to-company association has not passed claim-level evidence review. Compare the exact line, amount and posted status with your own receipt or account activity; the name alone cannot confirm the merchant or whether you authorized the payment.
The notes below are unreviewed registry explanations, not confirmation of merchant identity, authorization or current policy. Claim-level source review is pending for this entry.
What is the ADMIN & TELCO RECOVERY CHARGE?
Unreviewed registry note: Telecommunications carriers operating landline, fiber-optic internet, and wireless networks assess administrative surcharges to offset regulatory compliance expenses and infrastructure upkeep. These fees frequently appear as ADMIN & TELCO RECOVERY CHARGE, Regulatory Recovery Fee, or Administrative Charge on your monthly invoice.
Unreviewed registry note: The surcharge covers administrative expenses related to local number portability, telephone relay services, E911 emergency network access, and compliance filings submitted to state utility commissions and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Review your itemized billing statement Unreviewed registry note: Download your full monthly telecommunications bill to locate the 'Surcharges and Other Fees' section.
- Count billable service lines Unreviewed registry note: Check how many voice lines, mobile numbers, or broadband connections incurred the fee, which typically ranges from $1.99 to $3.99 per line.
- Contact carrier customer retention Unreviewed registry note: Call your provider's customer service department to ask whether updated service plans or promotional bill credits can offset the surcharge.
Is This Charge a Government-Mandated Tax?
Unreviewed registry note: In contrast, the administrative and telco recovery surcharge is retained by your service provider to cover their internal cost of doing business. Carriers separate these surcharges from their advertised base rate to make promotional package pricing appear lower.
Can I remove this charge from my monthly bill?
Unreviewed registry note: Because this fee is part of standard carrier terms of service, customer support cannot permanently remove the line item. However, calling customer retention may qualify you for account-level promotional discounts.
Do all telecommunications carriers charge this fee?
Unreviewed registry note: Most major postpaid carriers (including Frontier, AT&T, and Verizon) assess administrative surcharges. Some prepaid carriers and alternative internet providers bundle all operational fees into a single flat monthly price.
Independent reference — not affiliated with your telecommunications provider. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Sources and evidence
Sources may support different parts of this page. A company homepage does not establish a statement descriptor, refund policy or contact detail. Check the claim notes and your own receipt before acting.
- FCC Consumer Advisory — Understanding Your Telephone Bill https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/understanding-your-telephone-bill
- CFPB Guidance on Surcharges and Billing Disclosures https://www.consumerfinance.gov
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