USF
Fifth Circuit Judges Probe USF Spending, Administrator
A Fifth Circuit panel heard oral arguments Wednesday in Consumers' Research's latest challenge to the program
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
New Mexico Launches Rulemaking for Broadband Affordability Program
The state program will offer eligible households discounts toward broadband service beginning Dec. 1.
USF
California Asks Court to Toss AT&T’s Copper Retirement Suit
State regulators say AT&T’s federal preemption claim lacks merit.
FCC
FCC Ponders ‘Large Scale Changes’ to School and Library Broadband Subsidy
Wireline chief discusses updating the program which supports internet access for nearly all U.S. public schools
FCC
FCC Opens Review of Universal Service Administration, Questions USAC’s Future
The agency questions USAC’s processes, expenses, governance structure and long-term role as the Universal Service Fund’s administrator.
USF
AT&T Loses Bid to Temporarily Halt California's Enforcement of COLR Obligations
A federal judge denied AT&T’s preliminary injunction request, but allowed advocates, local governments, and a telecom group to enter the case
Spectrum
FCC to Vote on Proposal for More Direct-to-Device Spectrum in August
The agency would consider 225 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum for the service
Funding
California Regulators Fund Broadband Projects at $137,000 Per Location
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hiked the state’s Universal Service Fund tax to help fund the grants.
Rural
Capito Says Rural Broadband Protection Act Will Bring Connectivity to West Virginia
The senator says the new law will strengthen vetting of companies participating in federal broadband programs.
USF
E-Rate Advocates Want FCC to Reconsider Bidding Portal
SHLB and a consultant that works with participants said they wanted more time to comment on the April order
Briefs
FCC Grants RDOF Waiver to Wisper ISP
The order distinguished Wisper’s request from other program defaults.
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.
