FCC’s Carr Signals Tougher Oversight of Broadband Subsidies
FCC conducting a ‘top-to-bottom’ evaluation of USF programs, Carr says.
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2026 – Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr said cracking down on fraud in federal broadband subsidies will be a key focus of his broader “Build America Agenda.”
Speaking at a policy conference hosted by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, Carr signaled renewed scrutiny of the FCC’s Universal Service Fund programs. He pointed to misuse within these programs, including cases where benefits were issued improperly.
“We saw there was some fraud,” Carr said, referencing findings that included payments to deceased individuals within the Lifeline program. He cited instances in California as part of the agency’s ongoing review of subsidies that are aimed at providing connectivity to underserved consumers and institutions.
