Universal Connectivity Charge

What is a "universal connectivity charge"?

Looking over my cable internet bill, which includes "Comcast Digital Voice", I notice a few fees I am not familiar with. One, "universal connectivity charge" makes me wonder how much money does this company want? I realize they have costs involved with their hardware network, but I see a "Franchise Related Cost" FEE on my bill as well. There are all these fees and yet I hear they are whining, trying to get money back for having deployed the "network" and they still want to stop "net neutrality" Comcast's Digital Voice or "CDV" is a pretty good service, in my opinion. I've been using it for several years at this location, my home, and aside from dealing with comcast people on the phone, the service has some burps and issues, but overall, I'm happy with it. Includes long distance within the United States and Canada.