USF
New Senate Bill Would Tap Broadband and Tech Companies for USF Funds
The fund spends $8 billion annually to subsidize networks.
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.
Expert Opinion
Ryan Johnston: What Happens to BEAD Without the Affordable Connectivity Program?
We’d be building broadband to no one without the ACP. The ACP extends every BEAD dollar further.
FCC
FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program, YouTube AI Regulations, Infrastructure Act Anniversary
The FCC has proposed a pilot program to help schools and libraries protect against cyberattacks.
Lifeline
FCC Approves Strong Digital Discrimination Rules
The FCC also approved support for domestic abuse victims, inquiry on AI and robocalls and preventing cell phone scams.
ACP
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.
FCC
‘It Was Graft’: How the FCC’s CAF II Program Became a Money Sink
Of $10 billion spent through 2021, 93 percent of households received only 10 * 1 Mbps service.
NTCA
Coalition Wants Funds for Rip and Replace, Advertising Universal Service, Washington State Broadband
A coalition of telecom associations are urging Congress to appropriate money to fund the Rip and Replace program.
Joe Biden
Tribal Providers Say They Rely on ACP to Connect Communities
The fund is set to run dry in 2024.
FCC
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.
FCC
Some Question Whether to Link Affordable Connectivity With Universal Service
Policy experts were not all in agreement on whether to wrap ACP into the Universal Service Fund.
FCC
Conservative Group Files Another Legal Challenge to Universal Service Fund
The Sixth Circuit struck down another similar petition from Consumers’ Research.
Oig
FCC Inspector General Suspects Providers of Improperly Taking Subsidies
The agency’s Office of the Inspector General said providers were still paid for un-enrolled subscribers.
USTelecom
Experts Suggest Measures to Protect Affordable Connectivity Program at Senate Hearing
Under consideration: Opening the Universal Service Fund to contributions from broadband and Big Tech companies.
NTCA
Federal Broadband Subsidies Essential for Long-Term BEAD Success: Experts
It’s not just about building networks, but providing affordability through programs like the ACP.
FCC
Michigan Island Asks FCC to Require Fiber for Some Carriers
Missing out on BEAD-funded fiber could ‘materially impair’ the Beaver Island’s ability to compete, a local committee argued.
FCC
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.
