universal service
FCC to Vote on Lifeline Reform Next Month
FCC chair says only Americans ‘living and here legally’ should qualify for Lifeline benefits.
Digital Inclusion
TruConnect Proposes Lifeline Benefits Raise to $30
In a meeting with the FCC, a variety of Lifeline reforms were recommended.
NTIA
New Mexico Unveils Plan to Expand Affordable Broadband
State proposes launching broadband subsidy program by 2027
FCC
California Regulator Asks FCC to Reverse Course on Lifeline Revocation
State regulators warn 1.77 million Californians could face service disruptions
FCC
FCC Rejects Wireless Providers Bid for Extra Lifeline Payments
Commission ends four year dispute over when a pandemic waiver ended.
FCC
FCC Revokes California’s Lifeline Verification Authority
New state privacy law blocks data collection necessary to prevent fraud and abuse, FCC said.
Affordability
Advocates Push to Rebuild a Permanent Federal Broadband Subsidy
Calls mount for a modernized Universal Service Fund to address broadband affordability
Expert Opinion
Jill Crosby, Sabrina Burns: Broadband Rollback Undermines Innovation
Policymakers revisiting the USF must recognize that affordable, reliable Internet access is essential for participation in the startup ecosystem.
Digital Inclusion
FCC Keeps Lifeline Voice and Data Benefits Steady Through 2026
Bureau keeps voice-only subsidies alive for one more year
Congress
House Commerce Advances $88 Billion Spectrum Auction Plan, Turning Back Amendments
Democrats fail in bid to redirect spectrum funds to broadband affordability, 911 infrastructure, or cybersecurity in reconciliation bill.
FCC
Simington, Wax Call on Trump to ‘DOGE’ the FCC
The commissioner and his new chief of staff called for slashing subsidies and downsizing staff.
Benton
In ‘Delete’ Docket, Advocates Want Improvements to Lifeline, E-Rate and Local Control
Public interest groups say the FCC should modernize, not dismantle, key programs.
Funding
USF Funding Exceeded $8.5 Billion in 2024
USAC says spending increased by more than $400 million over 2023
ACP
NaLA Survey Reveals Post-ACP Hardship for Economically Vulnerable
The 68,000 survey responses highlighted a critical need for Lifeline and ACP programs.
Funding
ITIF Plan Would Drain Billions from USF to Fund New ACP
Group says the country needs to elevate affordability over availability
12 Days of Broadband
A Year of Challenges for the Universal Service Fund
In 2024, USF encountered widespread calls for reforms to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
