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
Ben Lujan
A Year of Challenges for the Universal Service Fund
In 2024, USF encountered widespread calls for reforms to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
Digital Inclusion
EducationSuperHighway Unveils New ACP Approach
Proposal relies on Universal Service Fund amid Supreme Court scrutiny.
Benton
Supreme Court to Decide Fate of $8 Billion Broadband Fund
The outcome could affect millions who depend on the USF for affordable communication services.
Expert Opinion
To Fix the Digital Divide, The Great Can’t Be the Enemy of the Good
Given all of its successes, reauthorizing the ACP should be a no-brainer.
OTI
Consumer Groups: ‘Device Unlocking Boosts Wireless Competition’
Eighteen consumer groups pushed the FCC to adopt a uniform 60-day phone unlocking standard.
Lifeline
DOJ Gains Guilty Pleas in FCC Lifeline Fraud Scheme
The company stole more than $100 million over several years
Affordability
New Study Proposes Funding Reforms for ACP
The Affordable Connectivity Program should change the income-eligibility threshold to 135% of the federal poverty line, says report.
