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.
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
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.
E-Rate
Library Groups Mobilize Against FCC Proposal to Reshape E-Rate
Thursday’s FCC E-Rate inquiry would raise compliance burdens for consultants, participants, and providers, librarians said in interviews
USF
E-Rate Advocates Want FCC to Reconsider Bidding Portal
SHLB and a consultant that works with participants said they wanted more time to comment on the April order
Briefs
FCC Grants RDOF Waiver to Wisper ISP
The order distinguished Wisper’s request from other program defaults.
FCC
USF Contribution Factor Hits Record 38.8% in Third Quarter
FCC reduced projected demand by $125 million, but the assessment rate still reached an all-time high.
USF
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor Projected to Reach Record 42.3%
Analyst argues broadband providers should contribute, as shrinking telecom revenues push the surcharge toward record levels.
USF
Mattey Calls for USAC Reform in Filing with the FCC
The former FCC official is seeking to update and simplify the USAC.
FCC
USAC Audits Are ‘Kafkaesque,’ Industry Tells FCC
Providers say the audit process costs more to defend than it recovers - and want the FCC to fix it.
FCC
USAC Reports Little Change in Q3 Funding Projections
Consumers’ Research raises renewed legal objections.
Third Way
Bill Introduced to Expand Enrollment of Lifeline Program
State grants would support program outreach and enrollment.
USF
Education Groups Opposed to E-Rate Bidding Portal
FCC insists it’s necessary to prevent fraud.
USF
Lawmakers Aiming to Circulate Draft USF Framework This Summer
Meanwhile, the FCC is seeking comment on how it might improve USAC
USF
USF Spent $8.4 billion in 2025
A new report detailed how federal subsidies were spent as reforms and scrutiny grew.
