USF
Fifth Circuit Rules USF Unconstitutional
The decision creates a split with other circuits, making an appeal to the Supreme Court likely.
Supreme Court
Supreme Court Will Not Review Legality of FCC's Universal Service Fund
A conservative advocacy group has been challenging the $8 billion fund in court.
North Carolina
FCC Denies ISPs Request to Waive Penalties for Withdrawing from RDOF
In the same notice, the FCC announced it will waive noncompliance penalties for an ISP unable to meet its obligations in the CAF II auction.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Broadband Industry Groups Urge Caution on Using Fabric Data for High-Cost Compliance
Commenters noted that the fabric is iterative, and changes to the data could cause confusion.
Digital Inclusion
With Affordable Connectivity Funds Running Out, ISPs May Choose Partial Reimbursement
If providers opt to provide ACP benefits in May they may need to absorb some unexpected costs themselves.
Digital Inclusion
FCC Chair Unveils Latest ACP Metrics at Net Inclusion 2024
The survey highlighted concerns of 81 percent of households with schoolchildren about potential loss of the ACP.
Universal Service
Dish Wireless Seeks FCC Help With Affordable Connectivity Transition
The company needs to be designed as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier to promote the Lifeline option, it said.
Universal Service
Universal Service Administrative Company Updates Connect America Fund Map
Providers reported progress on rebuilding and expanding networks in Puerto Rico.
Universal Service
New DISH CEO Hamid Akhavan, Data Submission on Affordable Connectivity Program
Hamid Akhavan is to be the CEO and president of DISH Network and Echostar following the finalization of their merger.
Universal Service
FCC Votes on E-Rate, 6 GHZ and Emergency Alerts at October Meeting
The commission took action on expanding E-Rate, maternal health data, and opening the 6 GHz band.
Universal Service
Conservative Group Files Another Legal Challenge to Universal Service Fund
The Sixth Circuit struck down another similar petition from Consumers’ Research.
Universal Service
Tech Trade Group Report Argues for USF Funding from Broadband Companies
Consulting firm Brattle Group said in a report the move would be economically sound.
Universal Service
FCC Adopts Proposal to Increase E-rate Program Funding for Tribes Reliant on School Libraries
The FCC broadened the E-rate eligibility to tribal colleges used as public libraries.
Universal Service
Sixth Circuit Appeals Court Denies Petition Challenging FCC Jurisdiction on Universal Service Fund
Sixth Circuit adopted reasons from another appeal court.
Expert Opinion
John Harrington: The FCC’s Proposed E-Rate Bidding Portal Expands Federal Power, Not Local Decision Makers
This shift away from local autonomy for procurement would be the most radical change to the program since its inception.
Universal Service
Coalition Says FCC E-rate Portal Proposal Could Create More Problems
Industry officials say the commission’s approach to E-rate competition would burden applicants.
