FCC to Increase Universal Service Contribution Factor to 36.6 Percent
New contribution factor will apply in the second quarter of 2025
New contribution factor will apply in the second quarter of 2025
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2025 – Telecommunications companies will see a slight increase in the percentage of end-user revenue they must contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF).
In a public notice Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Managing Director announced that the universal service contribution factor for the second quarter of 2025 will be 36.6 percent, up slightly from 36.3 percent in the first quarter.
The updated tax will go into effect on April 1, impacting wireless carriers, long-distance providers, and other telecommunications companies.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear a case challenging the constitutionality of the USF’s funding mechanism. Oral arguments for the case are expected to begin on March 26 at 10 a.m.
The FCC has projected more than $8.2 billion in total end-user revenues for the second quarter of 2025.
Kaptivate analysis finds some states’ references to rural America dropped 80 to 100 percent
Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Utah had their final proposals approved.
The approval follows recent elections where two Democrats won seats on the commission. Those Democrats oppose the plan but don't take office until January.
Lawmakers are considering how best to reform the fund.
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