USF

FCC Considers Satellite Changes to Universal Service's High Cost Fund

Agency also ‘streamlines’ broadband data collection and mapping at its May open meeting.

Jericho Casper

May 20, 2026 — 3 min read

Screenshot of Wireline Competition Bureau chief Joseph Calascione from the FCC's meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday launched an inquiry into the future of its high-cost universal service programs, signaling an expanded role for low-Earth orbit satellite services.

Adopted at the FCC’s May meeting, the proceeding raised questions about the future of the Universal Service Fund after SpaceX urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr last week to phase out most of its $4.5 billion High‑Cost program, arguing that expanding satellite broadband services have erased much of the access gaps that subsidies were designed to fix.

Asked if the FCC’s proposed rulemaking incorporated changes sought by SpaceX, Wireline Competition Bureau chief Joseph Calascione said the item does not predetermine outcomes or adopt specific proposals from the company, but instead kicks off a substantive debate.

Post tagged in

USF FCC High Cost Fund ACAM Brendan Carr Anna Gomez Olivia Trusty LEO SpaceX Joseph Calascione BDC National Broadband Map Public Knowledge Alisa Valentin Broadband Mapping and Data

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