Wireless
GCI Expands 5G to 9 More Southeast Alaska Towns
GCI has expanded 5G service to nine more Southeast Alaska communities, boosting mobile connectivity across the region.
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.
Funding
SpaceX Still Pushing to Slash High Cost Fund
The satellite company recovered its Starship rocket after a July test flight, and is looking to acquire some extra spectrum
Digital Inclusion
Lifeline Subscribers Rely on Benefit for Healthcare, Employment
A new survey finds great majority of Lifeline subscribers ration data and would lose service entirely without the program
USF
FCC’s Trusty Looks to Universal Service's Next Phase
Trusty pointed to lessons from recent trips across the country as she considers the FCC’s approach to rural connectivity.
Funding
Task Force Calls for Congress to Cement USF’s Legal, Financial Foundations
Report advocates modernization as FCC considers retrenchment across major programs
USF
California Not Sold on Wisconsin Bell’s $55 Million Whistleblower Settlement
The state was involved in a companion case, and feared it would lose the ability to sue again if the suit were dropped
FCC
FCC’s Gomez Warns Satellite Deployment Is No Substitute for Universal Service
Gomez’s comments came just after Disney filed a lawsuit against the commission Tuesday morning.
Expert Opinion
Bartlett Cleland: The Market Is Already Solving Dead Zones; BEAD Shouldn't Fund Them
Now that the big three carriers are jointly building satellite direct-to-device coverage, BEAD should stop chasing rural mobile and stick to connecting unserved homes.
Expert Opinion
Christine O'Connor: An Enduring Commitment to Universal Service Transformed Alaska
O'Connor charts Alaska's shift from village pay phones to fiber and telehealth, crediting universal service and the Alaska Plan while noting BEAD's work is unfinished.
FCC
FCC Approves Proposal on Unlicensed Spectrum for Direct-to-Device, Without 900 MHz
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was working on ‘three big, new spectrum auctions’ for 2028
USF
Fifth Circuit Judges Probe USF Spending, Administrator
A Fifth Circuit panel heard oral arguments Wednesday in Consumers' Research's latest challenge to the program
USF
New Mexico Launches Rulemaking for Broadband Affordability Program
The state program will offer eligible households discounts toward broadband service beginning Dec. 1.
USF
California Asks Court to Toss AT&T’s Copper Retirement Suit
State regulators say AT&T’s federal preemption claim lacks merit.
FCC
FCC Ponders ‘Large Scale Changes’ to School and Library Broadband Subsidy
Wireline chief discusses updating the program which supports internet access for nearly all U.S. public schools
FCC
FCC Opens Review of Universal Service Administration, Questions USAC’s Future
The agency questions USAC’s processes, expenses, governance structure and long-term role as the Universal Service Fund’s administrator.
USF
AT&T Loses Bid to Temporarily Halt California's Enforcement of COLR Obligations
A federal judge denied AT&T’s preliminary injunction request, but allowed advocates, local governments, and a telecom group to enter the case
