USF
USF Proponents ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ After Supreme Court Arguments
Justices are set to decide whether the $9 billion-per-year program is unconstitutional
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
Supreme Court Appears Reluctant to Rule Against USF
The $9 billion-per-year fund is being challenged as unconstitutional nearly 30 years after its creation.
Expert Opinion
States Approach Readiness for the Broadband Rollout, But Federal Nod is Elusive
No BEAD final proposals have been posted since late 2024, but many are due over the next few months.
Benton
Lawyers Backing FCC Cautiously Optimistic Ahead of Supreme Court USF Case Showdown
Telecom companies, public interest groups, and both the Biden and Trump administrations are united in the fight over the FCC’s Universal Service Fund.
Funding
Missouri Wants FCC to Return $177 Million in Defaulted Grants
More than 85,000 locations meant to be served by the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund remain without service.
Pole Attachments
Pew: States Should Collect Data on Utility Poles
The data could inform policy decisions where the FCC doesn't regulate poles, the group said.
USF
USF Opponents Attacking ‘a Strawman’: Trump Administration
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether the fund is constitutional March 26.
USF
FCC to Increase Universal Service Contribution Factor to 36.6 Percent
New contribution factor will apply in the second quarter of 2025
USF
Still a Long Road for Universal Service Reform, Panelists Say
The fund's constitutionality is being challenged at the Supreme Court, and lawmakers are looking for new revenue source besides voice.
FCC
Commissioner Anna Gomez Urges FCC to Lead USF Talks
'This is an opportunity for the FCC to strengthen the [Universal Service Fund],' Gomez said.
USF
House Aides: USF Court Case Puts Millions at Risk
Congress needs to be ready for a ruling against USF, memo says.
Funding
Telecom Industry Launches Coalition to Push Congress on USF Fix
The groups called on Congress to preserve USF’s funding structure ahead of Supreme Court ruling.
Chips
House Commerce Republicans Reject Efforts to Expand Broadband Affordability
Democrats also sought to scrutinize FCC's recent investigations of broadcast television networks.
USF
SCOTUS: False Claims Act Applies to E-Rate
But the justices didn't rule on the question of whether all E-Rate funds are government cash.
Fiber
AT&T Copper Retirement Plan Would Undercut Universal Service, CWA Warns
The telecom giant will not offer fiber to many copper customers, potentially jeopardizing broadband access.
USF
GOP Attorneys General Urge Supreme Court Against USF
More than a dozen conservative legal groups filed briefs pushing to expand the nondelegation doctrine.
