Digital Inclusion
FCC Keeps Lifeline Voice and Data Benefits Steady Through 2026
Bureau keeps voice-only subsidies alive for one more year
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.
Cybersecurity
NYC’s Education Department and Public Library Pull Out of FCC’s Cybersecurity Initiative
Turn down funding from FCC’s $200 million program.
BEAD
Gomez: Preserve Remaining State Control of BEAD
The FBA president said he was optimistic states would ultimately be able to maximize fiber deployment.
USF
UScellular Fires Back at Allegations It Misuses USF Funds
Calls RWA allegations ‘baseless and unsupported.'
Expert Opinion
Roslyn Layton: With Supreme Court Clarity, It’s Time for Congress to Modernize the USF
The Supreme Court's decision underscores that real reform must come through legislative, not judicial, channels.
USF
Industry, Advocates Hail Preservation of USF, But Say Reforms are Still Needed
Reactions to the Supreme Court's Friday ruling that the Universal Service Fund is Constitutional
Supreme Court
Supreme Court Upholds Universal Service Fund, 6-3
The court said the contribution scheme and management were Constitutional.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on July 2, 2025 – The New USF Working Group
What is the future of the Universal Service Fund subsidy program?
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Feenstra Introduces House Companion to Senate Bill that Would Assess ISPs, Big Tech
The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether the $9 billion-per-year Universal Service Fund is Constitutional.
FCC
O’Rielly Warns that Regulatory Burdens May Hinder Lifeline Participation
USF contractors face aggressive audits, investigations, fines and prosecutions.
USF
USF Working Group Relaunched
The fund's contribution factor will decrease slightly to 36 percent for the third quarter.
Consumers’ Research
Growing Support for Assessing Big Tech to Fund Universal Service
SCOTUS is preparing to rule within weeks on a Constitutional challenge to the fund's structure.
Digital Inclusion
One Year Without the Affordable Connectivity Program
Without the broadband subsidy, families are facing harsh tradeoffs to stay connected.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on June 4, 2025 – What Happens to USF When SCOTUS Rules?
Defenders of USF counter that the 1996 Telecom Act sets clear limits and that Universal Service Administrative Company's role is strictly ministerial.
COVID
Tim Stelzig: Explaining BEAD, Trying to Bridge the Digital Divide
Some areas that are relatively easier to serve have received multiple rounds of federal investment, while others perpetually remain left behind.
FCC
Simington, Wax Call on Trump to ‘DOGE’ the FCC
The commissioner and his new chief of staff called for slashing subsidies and downsizing staff.
