Briefs
FCC Grants RDOF Waiver to Wisper ISP
The order distinguished Wisper’s request from other program defaults.
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.
FCC
USF Contribution Factor Hits Record 38.8% in Third Quarter
FCC reduced projected demand by $125 million, but the assessment rate still reached an all-time high.
USF
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor Projected to Reach Record 42.3%
Analyst argues broadband providers should contribute, as shrinking telecom revenues push the surcharge toward record levels.
Funding
FCC E-Rate Inquiry to Ask About Reducing Funding, Expanding School Internet Filters
The agency’s proposal on local permitting shot clocks would ask about extending them to 'commingled' telecom and broadband infrastructure.
USF
Experts at Free State Event Warn Against Expanded Federal Role in Broadband, Media Regulation
Speakers at the foundation’s 20th anniversary luncheon criticized the Universal Service Fund and questioned the FCC’s broadcast public-interest standard.
USF
ProPublica Investigation Prompts Debate on USF Reform
The report scrutinized the incentive structure of the Alaska Connect Fund subsidies.
USF
Mattey Calls for USAC Reform in Filing with the FCC
The former FCC official is seeking to update and simplify the USAC.
USF
FCC Considers Satellite Changes to Universal Service's High Cost Fund
Agency also ‘streamlines’ broadband data collection and mapping at its May open meeting.
FCC
FCC Targets Minnesota Schools in E-Rate Fraud Investigation
Letters of inquiry signal a continued push to target fraud in USF.
Rural
Trump Signs USF Reform Bill Backed by Sen. Capito
The new law requires the FCC to establish a vetting process for USF applicants.
FCC
USAC Reports Little Change in Q3 Funding Projections
Consumers’ Research raises renewed legal objections.
USF
Mamdani Announces $2 Million to Expand Free Broadband Access
Program will reach more than 700 NYC households this summer and thousands more over two years.
USF
Carr: FCC Open to Ideas on Tentative Rural Subsidy Inquiry
He didn’t say how the agency felt about House lawmakers’ effort to block the NextNav petition.
FCC
FCC Splits On E-Rate Bidding Portal
The proposal passed despite pushback from stakeholders and commissioner Gomez.
FCC
Oregon Pushes Back on Lifeline Fraud Findings
State regulators said federal policies kept some deceased Lifeline subscribers active.
USF
FCC to Consider High Cost Update at May Meeting
The agency will also vote on broadband data collection and robocall items.
