People
Public Knowledge Expands Broadband Team
The hires coincide with Public Knowledge's push for broadband affordability and stronger consumer protections.
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
Court Finds FCC’s Broadband Funding Vehicle Violates a 1945 Federal Law
The agency violated the Government Corporation Control Act when it created the Universal Service Fund’s administrator, judges ruled
USF
Schools, Libraries Defend $2.5 Billion E-Rate Program to FCC
Industry groups also supported continued funding amid concerns from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr
USF
USF Working Group ‘Getting Closer and Closer’ to Discussion Draft
Lawmakers have been working for years to modernize the program
USF
Three Former FCC Commissioners Advocate to Continue E-Rate Program
Commissioners argue necessity of E-Rate program as billions could be on the line.
SHLB
USF Reform Could Put Hyperscalers, Data Centers on the Hook
AI companies could help reshape how broadband subsidies are funded.
USTelecom Nominates Ziply’s Jessica Epley to USAC Board
The move comes as industry leaders focus on strengthening the administration of federal broadband and telecommunications programs
USF
UK Floats Taxing Broadband Subscribers to Fund the BBC
British internet users may be forced to subsidize the BBC
USF
Low-Cost Bank Loans Could Help Advance Universal Service, Broadband Investor Says
CWA also wants USF contributions to include broadband, enterprise connectivity, and cloud service review
NTCA
NTCA Supports Semmler for Second USAC Board Term
Semmler’s regulatory experience would help guide USAC, NTCA says
USF
USF Contribution Factor to Hit 42 Percent in Q4
That’s a record high for the second quarter in a row
Funding
Education Groups Continue Advocacy Push as FCC Reviews E-Rate
A pro-E-Rate group said it was prepared to litigate if funding was reduced.
USF
Rural ISPs to FCC: Preserve Rural Broadband Subsidy
SpaceX wants the agency to shutter its High Cost fund
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.
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
