TPI
Policy Experts Consider Future of the Universal Service Fund
Panelists also discussed BEAD at Technology Policy Institute event
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
Massachusetts Low-Income Broadband Bill Gets Pushback
Bill would cap amount low-income households can pay for Internet.
Benton
Affordable Connectivity Program's End Spurs State-Level Action on Broadband
States are exploring new approaches to maintain broadband affordability for low-income households.
USF
Universal Service Fund a ‘Nightmare’, Says Litigation Foe
The Supreme Court is set to decide whether the $8 billion-per-year fund is constitutional.
USF
Supreme Court Argument on Universal Service on March 26
The Supreme Court is reviewing a ruling that found the $8 billion-per-year program's funding scheme unconstitutional.
Funding
Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Defends Universal Service
Beyond legal battles, SHLB will push for swift broadband expansion and sustainable digital opportunity efforts
Congress
Kids Off Social Media Act Divides Lawmakers on Senate Commerce Committee
Other bipartisan measures related to broadband expansion, supply chain resilience, and emergency communications.
BEAD
NTIA Nominee Roth Has Big Issues with BEAD
Incoming NTIA chief Arielle Roth would abolish fiber preference, low-cost mandates.
USF
Commerce Committee to Hold Vote on Nominee Lutnick
Executive session will include vote on Capito USF bill.
USF
Former FCC Commissioner O’Rielly Working on USF ‘Patch’
Supreme Court to rule later this year if USF's funding mechanism is unconstitutional.
USTelecom
USTelecom CEO to Trump: Copper Networks Looking for Parts on eBay
Spalter wants Big Tech to support USF and seeks end to permitting delays.
Donald Trump
Experts Predict BEAD, USF Reforms in 2025
Broadband experts McDowell, Olsen predict BEAD, USF reforms under Trump.
Congress
Think Tank Analysts Outline Pro-Growth Broadband Reforms
Competitive Enterprise Institute team calls for FCC auction authority renewal, USF funding overhaul, and NTIA bureaucratic reform.
USF
Lawmakers, Past FCC Leaders Urge Supreme Court to Uphold USF
In all, 29 lawmakers and eight former FCC commissioners signed the briefs.
Cybersecurity
FCC Names Participants in Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Schools and Libraries
The program will provide $200 million to strengthen cybersecurity systems for schools and libraries.
Funding
ITIF Plan Would Drain Billions from USF to Fund New ACP
Group says the country needs to elevate affordability over availability
