> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# FCC’s Gomez Disappointed by Fifth Circuit's USF Decision
- URL: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/fccs-gomez-disappointed-by-fifth-circuits-usf-decision/
- Published: 2024-10-03T21:07:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-11T06:03:04.000Z
- Description: Regulator concerned decision could delay closing the digital divide.
- Author: Ari Bertenthal
- Tags: Consumers’ Research, Fifth Circuit, USF, #with-siderail, FCC, Anna Gomez, Mignon Clyburn, SHLB

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 3, 2024 - Federal Communications Commission member **Anna Gomez** voiced her disappointment Thursday with the federal court ruling that the FCC’s Universal Service Fund was unconstitutional.

In July, the Fifth Circuit held that the funding mechanism supporting the $8.1 billion USF impermissibly handed taxing power to the FCC and its non-profit private sector agent, the Universal Service Administrative Co.

“The core of the Commission’s mission is to provide connection for everyone everywhere,” said Gomez. “\[The Fifth Circuit’s\] decision is disappointing, but it does not disrupt our continued work.”

Gomez, joined by former Commissioner **Mignon Clyburn,** attended the annual AnchorNets conference (Oct. 2-4) in Arlington, Va., hosted by the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition.

Among other things, the USF spends $2.4 billion annually to connect schools and libraries to the Internet and $4.3 billion to subsidize rural broadband ISPs with high deployment costs.

“The \[Fifth Circuit decision\] threatens our ability to [close the digital divide](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/digital-equity-executives-advise-on-closing-digital-divide/) domestically \[and also threatens\] our global competitiveness,” Gomez said. “\[We\] remain committed to ensuring that consumers in all regions of the country get access to affordable, high-speed connectivity.”

Gomez noted in her discussion that she had a vision for bringing broadband internet access to all Americans. She cited interagency coordination as a key aspect of expanding broadband access.

On Sept. 30, the FCC filed a petition asking [the Supreme Court](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/feds-ask-supreme-court-to-preserve-universal-service-fund/) to reverse the Fifth Circuit. Consumer’ Research, victorious in the Fifth Circuit, this week asked the high court to affirm the lower court's holding.