USF
Expert Says Millions of Areas Remain Unserved In Spite of BEAD and Other Programs
Increased competition in already-served markets could leave rural communities behind.
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
USF Challengers to Judges: FCC Not Limited by Telecom Act
Lawmakers are working to update the fund’s contribution base.
USF
USF Spent $8.4 billion in 2025
A new report detailed how federal subsidies were spent as reforms and scrutiny grew.
AI
Experts Call for Modernization, Rewrite of 1996 Telecom Act
Ahead of Thursday's hearing, witnesses point to opportunities to promote competition, broadband classification, and AI infrastructure.
USF
Participants to Fifth Circuit: USF is Still Valid
The fund’s opponents are pursuing another lawsuit against the program.
USF
FCC Bars 7 Individuals After $14 Million E-Rate Fraud
Those convicted will be suspended from all universal service programs for the next three years.
USF
Congress to Revisit the Telecom Act of 1996 Next Week
Lawmakers and experts assert the law is outdated and unsustainable
USF
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor to Hit 37% in Q2
Lawmakers and experts say the USF funding mechanism is unsustainable and outdated.
USF
Telecom Act Aides Say Partisanship is Behind Lack of Universal Service, Broadband Access
Panelists also discuss the unsustainable funding of the USF and the making of Section 230.
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
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.
