FCC
Biden Administration and FCC Push on ACP as Funding Dwindles
The program will be fully exhausted at the end of May.
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.
Eighth Circuit
Rural Broadband ISPs Want Exemption From Digital Discrimination Reporting
Broadband ISP trade associations from 15 states are seeking a broad exemption from pending federal regulations.
FCC
USDA's ReConnect Program Accepting Applications
The fifth round of funding makes $700 million available for rural broadband.
NTCA
Broadband Industry Groups Urge Caution on Using Fabric Data for High-Cost Compliance
Commenters noted that the fabric is iterative, and changes to the data could cause confusion.
FCC
House Passes Funding Minibus Excluding ACP, Rip-and-Replace
The House of Representatives passed a $1.1 trillion spending package Friday morning which omits funding for key broadband initiatives.
FCC
Wisconsin Committee Advances Bill for State Tax Exemption on Broadband Grants
A similar bill seeking to exempt BEAD from state income taxes recently received near unanimous approval in the Georgia House.
FCC
Cruz Wants Congressional Appropriations to Fund Universal Service
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel has argued that appropriations make the USF less stable.
FCC
New FCC Broadband Standards Should Consider Latency
The FCC sought public input in November on including latency metrics in reporting requirements.
USF
Rural Wireless Association Wants Changes to FCC's 5G Fund
The association wants certain USF-eligible areas excluded from an upcoming reverse auction.
FCC
Dish Wireless Seeks FCC Help With Affordable Connectivity Transition
The company needs to be designed as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier to promote the Lifeline option, it said.
USF
FCC Chair Opposes Including Broadband Providers in Universal Service Fund
Including broadband providers in the USF would likely cost consumers more, Rosenworcel said.
USF
Universal Service Administrative Company Updates Connect America Fund Map
Providers reported progress on rebuilding and expanding networks in Puerto Rico.
USF
Consumers' Research Asks for Supreme Court Review of Eleventh Circuit USF Ruling
The group thinks the Fifth Circuit is poised to issue a conflicting decision.
USF
Eleventh Circuit Rules in Favor of USF Constitutionality
The Fifth Circuit is rehearing a similar case filed by the same conservative nonprofit.
FCC
Experts Still Disagree on FCC’s New Digital Discrimination Rules
The FCC rules have drawn strong pushback from industry groups and praise from Democratic leadership.
USF
New Senate Bill Would Tap Broadband and Tech Companies for USF Funds
The fund spends $8 billion annually to subsidize networks.
