universal service
Telecom Act Aides Say Failure to Define Broadband Sparked Years of Regulatory Fights
At the Benton Institute event, panelists reflect on successes and failures of the Telecom Act of 1996
USF
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 expanded the Universal Service Fund to ensure that all Americans, especially those in rural or low income communities, have broadband access. The FCC administers the fund through four programs: High Cost Support Mechanism, Low Income Support Mechanism, Rural Health Care Support Mechanism, and Schools and Libraries Support Mechanism.
Infrastructure
FCC’s March Agenda: Copper Retirement, Call Center Onshoring
The agency’s next open meeting is set for March 26, 2026
Digital Inclusion
FCC Investigating Lifeline Providers as Advocates, Dems Push Back Against Increased ID Verification
The agency is set to vote Wednesday on a proposal that would seek comment on increased verification measures for the program.
universal service
FCC to Vote on Lifeline Reform Next Month
FCC chair says only Americans ‘living and here legally’ should qualify for Lifeline benefits.
USF
Consumers’ Research Still Says Portions of Universal Service Fund Unconstitutional
The group argued that two provisions of the Telecom Act cannot stand because otherwise they would give the FCC ‘virtually unbounded authority’
FCC
Carr Grilled on Broadcasting, Also Testifies on Spectrum and Universal Service
The three-hour hearing was largely focused on broadcast regulation and accusations the agency was pressuring media companies critical of the White House.
CES2026
CES2026: From Innovation to Guardrails, Senators Confront Tech’s Next Phase
Democratic lawmakers cite broadband gaps, data security, and autonomous vehicle safety as concerns that are not being addressed
JD Vance
Broadband Affordability Falters in 2025
In spite of the political salience of 'affordability,' federal rollbacks, industry pressure, and stalled state efforts took a toll on low-income Americans' broadband.
Digital Inclusion
Libraries and Schools Urge FCC to Restore Off-Campus Wi-Fi Support
Backing petitions for reconsideration, advocates say E-Rate rollback threatens students’ connectivity.
12 Days of Broadband
Universal Service Fund Survived, Faces New Legal and Political Challenges
A follow-on legal case about the USF resumed on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Fifth Circuit.
FCC
FCC Sets 2026 Urban Rate Benchmarks for Broadband
FCC establishes $96 benchmark for broadband plans offered by USF recipients
USF
Universal Service Fund Working Group Looking for FCC Briefing
Lawmakers are considering how best to reform the fund.
USF
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor Projected at 37.6% in 2026
Believe it or not, that 37.6 percent is down from the current 38.1 percent.
Tribal
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Expand Universal Service Fund Coverage in Indian Country
Bill would amend the Communications Act to formally include Tribal communities in universal service.
Commerce
NTIA Cracks Down on BEAD Proposals Built on ‘Hypothetical’ Funding
The agency will issue new guidance on how states should evaluate 'speculative' or uncommitted funding sources in BEAD.
Rural
FCC Chair Offers Few Specifics on Universal Service Reforms
NTCA’s Bloomfield worries Carr’s push for USF ‘efficiency’ could hurt rural providers
