Lawmakers Aiming to Circulate Draft USF Framework This Summer
Meanwhile, the FCC is seeking comment on how it might improve USAC
Meanwhile, the FCC is seeking comment on how it might improve USAC
WASHINGTON, April 16, 2026 – Proposed reforms to a major federal broadband subsidy program are still taking shape on Capitol Hill.
Lawmakers are aiming to circulate a discussion draft of legislation that would modernize the $8.5 billion-per-year Universal Service Fund this summer.
Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission, which manages the fund, is asking for input on whether it should make changes to the nonprofit it delegated accounting and administrative duties to. The inquiry largely does not overlap with issues raised in a lawsuit attacking the legality of both USF and the nonprofit, called the Universal Service Administrative Company.
Settlement targets alleged coordinated ad restrictions based on political content.
The author urges Congress to preserve Section 230 and the legal tradition of regulating bad actors rather than the technologies they use–especially AI.
Promised tax revenue and job growth often fall short.
SkyFiber was awarded $180.6 million in BEAD funds last year after a stalled permitting process.
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