### Question
How does DISTANCE LEARNING AND MEDICAL LINK PROGRAMS define qualified local exchange carrier service area?


### Answer
Under *7 U.S.C. § 950aaa*, **qualified local exchange carrier service area** is defined as:

> the service area of a local telephone exchange carrier in which the local exchange carrier has a plan approved by the Secretary for upgrading and modernizing the rural telecommunications infrastructure of the service area

#### Citation:
  - *7 U.S.C. § 950aaa*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 31A-DISTANCE LEARNING AND MEDICAL LINK PROGRAMS**

