In telecommunications, the local carrier designated by the regulatory authority to serve the least desirable residential end user in the most remote location and requiring only the most basic service, but without the ability to pay for service at market rates. In developed countries with a competitive telecommunications environment, some entity must be so designated in order to preserve the concept of universal service, and that designee is generally the incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC).The provider of last resort generally is reimbursed for allowable associated costs from a universal service fund (USF). See also carrier, ILEC, universal service, and USF.