FCC
FCC Seeking Nominations for Eight USAC Board Seats
Nominations are due at the agency by October 28.
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.
Consumers’ Research
Fifth Circuit Pauses USF Decision While FCC Plans Appeal
The agency said it's planning to petition the Supreme Court by Sept. 30.
FCC
Cruz Critical of Broadband Subsidy Administrator After Audit
The Government Accountability Office found the program management 'consistent with selected FCC requirements.'
FCC
FCC Opens Review of Arvig, BEVCOMM Broadband Support Claims
The Minnesota companies said a local competitor does not offer voice service.
FCC
AT&T to SCOTUS: E-Rate Reimbursements Shielded from False Claims Act
The law requires high financial penalties for defrauding the government out of money.
Fifth Circuit
Court Pauses Challenge to FCC’s USF Forbearance Policy
Consumer groups are trying to resolve the issue with the agency directly.
Communications Act
Consumer Groups Looking to Pause Narrow Legal Challenge to Net Neutrality
Public interest groups want a pause in their legal challenge to a key USF funding decision by the FCC
FCC
Consumers’ Research Asks Supreme Court to Review USF Challenges
A recent Fifth Circuit decision conflicts with other federal court rulings, making a Supreme Court review likely.
Expert Opinion
How to Fund Universal Broadband Service Without the Universal Service Fund
The Fifth Circuit's decision declaring the Universal Service Fund unconstitutional is an upheaval, but also an opportunity.
FCC
USF Not Immediately Impacted by Fifth Circuit Ruling: FCC Official
The court ruled the fund's contribution scheme unconstitutional last week.
Consumers’ Research
Broadband Industry, Advocates Uneasy about Fifth Circuit USF Ruling
The court held yesterday that the $8 billion subsidy program was unconstitutional.
Fifth Circuit
Experts Call for USF Update
Experts tout USF as outdated as Fifth Circuit rules it unconstitutional.
Fifth Circuit
Fifth Circuit Rules USF Unconstitutional
The decision creates a split with other circuits, making an appeal to the Supreme Court likely.
FCC
Possible Harris VP Choice Wants Big Tech and ISPs to Support Rural Fund
Democratic Senator from Arizona wants to lower the cost of high-speed internet for consumers and rural providers.
FCC
FCC Approves E-Rate for Wi-Fi Hotspots
Like another E-Rate expansion last year, the order passed along party lines.
Justice
Armstrong to Pay $6.5 Million for Overcharging FCC Subsidy Fund
The Justice Department said Armstrong failed to 'comply with FCC regulations that governed what costs they were allowed to report for purposes of claiming subsidy payments ..."
