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.
Section 230
FCC’s Authority on Digital Discrimination Intact: Legal Experts
Legal experts also debated FCC's authority on net neutrality and Section 230 enforcement.
USF
USF Contribution Factor to be 36.3% in January
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging the $8 billion fund's legality.
JD Vance
Levin: Broadband Affordability Should Be Republican Priority
Analyst likened the ACP to other essential government programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
DC Circuit
TikTok Ban Nears as Appeals Court Upholds Divestiture Law
The D.C. Circuit ruling puts ByteDance on the clock to appeal to the Supreme Court or risk losing TikTok’s U.S. market by mid-January.
USF
USF Contribution Factor Expected to Rise to 37.4 Percent
Analyst Blair Levin said that policymakers unlikely to intervene.
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.
Donald Trump
Levin: Elon Musk’s Growing Power Over U.S. Telecom Policy
Musk’s influence could drive changes to BEAD, spectrum policy, and the Universal Service Fund
USF
High Court Skeptical of Shielding USF from False Claims Act
Justices appeared receptive to a narrow ruling in the government's favor.
USF
AT&T and Feds Disagree on Whether Government ‘Provides’ USF Money
The company wants SCOTUS to find the fund isn't covered by the False Claims Act.
Sixth Circuit
FCC Urged to Drop Bulk Billing Ban Proposal
Citing two recent court rulings, broadband advocates argued the FCC lacked authority to enforce the proposed rule.
Chevron Doctrine
McConnell: Demise of Chevron Doctrine His ‘Most Consequential’ Achievement
Chevron required judges to defer to agencies like the FCC in interpreting ambiguous laws.
Section 230
Former Pai Aide: USF ‘Top Issue’ Post-Election
Legal challenges put USF and FCC powers at risk.
USF
GOP Attorneys General Ask Supreme Court to Take USF Case
They want justices to find the Universal Service Fund unconstitutional.
Fourth Circuit
Cox Fights Music Industry’s Liability Allegations at Supreme Court
Cox argued that it cannot be held responsible for user piracy, as the music industry pushes for broader liability.
