Funding
Task Force Calls for Congress to Cement USF’s Legal, Financial Foundations
Report advocates modernization as FCC considers retrenchment across major programs
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
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
Spectrum
FCC to Vote on Proposal for More Direct-to-Device Spectrum in August
The agency would consider 225 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum for the service
Funding
California Regulators Fund Broadband Projects at $137,000 Per Location
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hiked the state’s Universal Service Fund tax to help fund the grants.
Rural
Capito Says Rural Broadband Protection Act Will Bring Connectivity to West Virginia
The senator says the new law will strengthen vetting of companies participating in federal broadband programs.
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
