Affordability
Wireless Taxes Hit Record High as Service Prices Decline
Families with $100 monthly plans now face more than $330 in annual taxes.
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
Consumers’ Research Files New USF Challenge
The group raised arguments in Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch's dissent in the previous USF case.
Expert Opinion
Nick Leiserson and Michael Klein: Urgent Changes Needed to Update the E-Rate Program
Broadband access funding for schools must consider the cyber threats that accompany Internet connectivity.
FCC
FCC Stops E-Rate Funding for Off-Campus Wi-Fi
The agency also voted to seek comment on local permitting rules it should consider preempting.
Alaska
FCC Tweaks Alaska Connect Fund
The agency affirmed that it expects 5G upgrades in some areas that lack any homes and businesses.
Broadband Mapping and Data
New York Fed Finds Low-income Neighborhoods Pay Higher Share of Income for Worse Broadband
Lower income areas spend 2.43 percent of their income on broadband compared to 0.51 percent elsewhere, the report found.
FCC
FCC Prepares for Mass Furloughs Amid Looming Government Shutdown
Agency’s previous contingency projected retaining just 12 percent of staff
USF
TechFreedom Urges Congress to Scrap Universal Service Surcharge
The extra fee appears on consumers’ phone bills to finance rural broadband, low-income, school and library connections.
FCC
Trusty: ‘Greater Transparency and Accountability’ Needed in FCC Funding Programs
The commissioner outlined her priorities for the agency at a Free State Foundation event Thursday.
USF
Consumers’ Research Drops USF Challenge, But Battle Likely Not Over
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in June that the $8 billion-per-year fund was constitutional.
USF
USF Contribution Factor to Hit Record 38.1 Percent
Trade groups submitted comments Monday to lawmakers working on modernizing the fund.
USF
Rural Telcos Urge Focus on Operational Expenses for Universal Service
WISPA said the smallest ISPs shouldn't have to contribute.
USF
Participants Urge Against Appropriations for USF
Some commenters said Lifeline benefits should be upped to $30 per month.
Expert Opinion
Jill Crosby, Sabrina Burns: Broadband Rollback Undermines Innovation
Policymakers revisiting the USF must recognize that affordable, reliable Internet access is essential for participation in the startup ecosystem.
USF
Rural Carriers: Operating Expense Support From Universal Service Necessary
The carriers say their legacy USF support has dwindled as the FCC phased out legacy programs in favor of competitive auctions.
Congress
House Panel Keeps FCC Budget Flat in 2026
Full committee denies FCC’s $26M budget raise request.
