USF
FCC to Increase Universal Service Contribution Factor to 36.6 Percent
New contribution factor will apply in the second quarter of 2025
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
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.
TPI
Policy Experts Consider Future of the Universal Service Fund
Panelists also discussed BEAD at Technology Policy Institute event
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.
