USF
Bill Would Require FCC to Make Rules on Expanding Funding Base of Universal Service Fund
The bill requires the FCC to study and reform the contribution base of the Universal Service Fund.
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.
Fifth Circuit
Appeals Court Denies Petition Challenging FCC Administration of Universal Service Fund
The matter is also in front of the 6th and 11th Circuit courts.
Infrastructure
FCC Nominee Gigi Sohn Withdraws from Consideration
Sohn was first nominated in October 2021.
FCC
AT&T Floats BEAD in USF Areas, Counties Concerned About FCC Map, Alabama’s $25M for Broadband
AT&T suggested the FCC look into relieving USF by considering other public funding in ACAM areas.
Senate Commerce
How Long Will it Take Congress to Revamp the Universal Service Fund?
Critics urged the FCC to expand the fund’s contribution sources, but the agency chose to punt the decision to Congress.
EBB
Chairman Pallone Says Service Providers May Be Abusing ACP
‘These reports detail problems customers have faced,” wrote Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone
FCC
Lines Are Sharpening Over Who Drives the Future of Universal Service: Congress or Broadband Providers?
Big communications companies want Congress to tax telecom, while many others want higher fees on broadband service.
Infrastructure
Urging Need for FCC Action on Universal Service Fund, Expert Says Congress Too Slow
FCC should not ‘wait for Congress to sort through these complex issues.’
Expert Opinion
Kate Forscey: Mobile Broadband Gap Needs to Be Remedied, Too
A recent study by CostQuest suggests that 37,000 more towers are needed to bring mobile coverage up to speed nationwide.
FCC
Library and Education Technology Groups Pan FCC Proposal for New E-Rate Procurement
Responders fear that updating the E-Rate process will increase complexity for applicants.
Expert Opinion
Joe Kane: Rural Broadband Infrastructure Should Fund People Wherever They Are
Future broadband funding should target those who need it, even if they live in cities or the suburbs.
FCC
FCC Encouraged to Limit Data Collection on Affordable Connectivity Program, Others Want More
One trade group warns about providers leaving the program if data collection too onerous.
FCC
Universal Service Fund in Need of Reform, Said Panelist at Broadband Community Summit Event
The Universal Service Fund’s base is shrinking.
USF
Economist Warns of Customer Losses if Broadband Revenues Find Way in Universal Service Fund
A number of players have pitched the idea of having big tech platforms pay into the basic telecommunications fund.
FCC
Petition Challenges Constitutionality of Roles FCC, USAC Play in Universal Service Fund
The legal brief comes at a time when the FCC studies the future of the fund.
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.
