USF
FCC’s Gomez Says 1996 Telecom Act was the Country’s Last Big Tech Law — and it’s Still Shaping the Internet Age
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the work the Telecom Act started is not yet done.
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
FCC, DOJ Defend USF to Fifth Circuit
Lawmakers are working on modernizing the fund.
NTIA
O’Rielly Wants Lutnick to Help Kill USDA’s Broadband Programs
The former Republican FCC Commissioner sees USDA programs as wasteful and unnecessary
USF
Study Says Universal Service Fund Critical for Rural Broadband
Report warns funding cuts could threaten connectivity in high-cost areas.
USF
AT&T’s Wisconsin Bell Settles Whistleblower Case for $55 Million
The lawsuit was headed to trial later this year.
USF
Telecom Act Aides Say Failure to Define Broadband Sparked Years of Regulatory Fights
At the Benton Institute event, panelists reflect on successes and failures of the Telecom Act of 1996
USF
Markey Criticizes FCC Rollbacks, Republican Opposition to Affordability Programs
Markey announced his children’s online privacy act passed the Senate.
USF
GCI Liberty CEO Says Universal Service Fund Is Essential for Alaska
GCI receives 40% of its $1 billion in annual revenue from the Universal Service Fund
Infrastructure
FCC’s March Agenda: Copper Retirement, Call Center Onshoring
The agency’s next open meeting is set for March 26, 2026
USF
Bill Revoking State-Run Lifeline Eligibility Introduced
The bill could impact Oregon and Texas, the remaining two states with their own Lifeline verification process.
Digital Inclusion
FCC Investigating Lifeline Providers as Advocates, Dems Push Back Against Increased ID Verification
The agency is set to vote Wednesday on a proposal that would seek comment on increased verification measures for the program.
universal service
FCC to Vote on Lifeline Reform Next Month
FCC chair says only Americans ‘living and here legally’ should qualify for Lifeline benefits.
USF
Consumers’ Research Still Says Portions of Universal Service Fund Unconstitutional
The group argued that two provisions of the Telecom Act cannot stand because otherwise they would give the FCC ‘virtually unbounded authority’
FCC
Carr Grilled on Broadcasting, Also Testifies on Spectrum and Universal Service
The three-hour hearing was largely focused on broadcast regulation and accusations the agency was pressuring media companies critical of the White House.
CES
CES2026: From Innovation to Guardrails, Senators Confront Tech’s Next Phase
Democratic lawmakers cite broadband gaps, data security, and autonomous vehicle safety as concerns that are not being addressed
JD Vance
Broadband Affordability Falters in 2025
In spite of the political salience of 'affordability,' federal rollbacks, industry pressure, and stalled state efforts took a toll on low-income Americans' broadband.
