Michael O'Rielly
Experts Call for Modernization, Rewrite of 1996 Telecom Act
Ahead of Thursday's hearing, witnesses point to opportunities to promote competition, broadband classification, and AI infrastructure.
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.
USF
Participants to Fifth Circuit: USF is Still Valid
The fund’s opponents are pursuing another lawsuit against the program.
FCC
FCC Bars 7 Individuals After $14 Million E-Rate Fraud
Those convicted will be suspended from all universal service programs for the next three years.
Telecom Act
Congress to Revisit the Telecom Act of 1996 Next Week
Lawmakers and experts assert the law is outdated and unsustainable
USF
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor to Hit 37% in Q2
Lawmakers and experts say the USF funding mechanism is unsustainable and outdated.
universal service
Telecom Act Aides Say Partisanship is Behind Lack of Universal Service, Broadband Access
Panelists also discuss the unsustainable funding of the USF and the making of Section 230.
USF
FCC, DOJ Defend USF to Fifth Circuit
Lawmakers are working on modernizing the fund.
NTIA
O’Rielly Wants Lutnick to Help Kill USDA’s Broadband Programs
The former Republican FCC Commissioner sees USDA programs as wasteful and unnecessary
USF
AT&T’s Wisconsin Bell Settles Whistleblower Case for $55 Million
The lawsuit was headed to trial later this year.
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
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
