ly. They negotiate contracts with each carrier to which they connect SO that the wireline carrier is able to cover its costs for transmitting calls between wireless networks and the PSTN. Transition to Reforms and Reverse Auctions In its February 8, 2011 NPRM, the FCC laid out a transition period (also referred to as a glide path) to move from the USF and the current ICC system to reverse auctions and a Connect America Fund. The rulemaking specified a transition period toward meet- ing its end goals of evolving to intercarrier compensation suitable for IP networks and subsidization of universal broadband. One immediate reform is the creation of a Mobility Fund for building out mobile wireless networks for broadband in areas where there are currently no next-generation mobile networks. The Mobility Fund was previously proposed in an October 2010 NPRM. The NPRM also elucidated the short-term goals of eliminating loopholes in exist- ing rules that enable inflated access fees, lead to costly legal disputes, and discourage carrier efficiency. As first steps in lowering access fees, payments for traffic pumping, access stimulation, and another scheme called phantom traffic will be eliminated and intrastate and interstate access fees will be equalized. Phantom traffic is traffic that does not contain carrier or calling number identifying information. The FCC will addi- tionally take steps to remove support for duplicate carriers in the same area. In the short term, the FCC will also take public comments regarding the develop- ment of a framework for long-term intercarrier compensation for VoIP and rules for compensation for VoIP traffic. The FCC is also seeking comments on contribution mechanisms and obligations to recipients of the Connect America Fund. Finally, the FCC proposes conducting competitive bidding auctions in the short term, where providers will compete for funds to build broadband networks. Recipients will be subject to requirements to build out their broadband facilities within a specific period of time a