FCC’s Gomez Disappointed by Fifth Circuit's USF Decision

Regulator concerned decision could delay closing the digital divide.

FCC’s Gomez Disappointed by Fifth Circuit's USF Decision
From left: FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn

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.”

Popular Tags