Expert Opinion
Jill Crosby, Sabrina Burns: Broadband Rollback Undermines Innovation
Policymakers revisiting the USF must recognize that affordable, reliable Internet access is essential for participation in the startup ecosystem.
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
Rural Carriers: Operating Expense Support From Universal Service Necessary
The carriers say their legacy USF support has dwindled as the FCC phased out legacy programs in favor of competitive auctions.
Congress
House Panel Keeps FCC Budget Flat in 2026
Full committee denies FCC’s $26M budget raise request.
Rural
Rural Co-op Executives Press Congress to Modernize Universal Service Fund
Witnesses pressure lawmakers to update funding model and prioritize affordability.
Expert Opinion
The Court Did Its Job, Now It’s Time for Congress to Get Millions of Americans Online
Joel Thayer and Roslyn Layton argue that Universal Service Fund reform will be the next major fight on Capitol Hill.
FCC
Consumers’ Research Continues Legal Attacks on USF
Group calls on FCC to cut fees despite Supreme Court ruling.
Funding
USF Contribution Factor Expected to Hit Record 39.3 Percent
Would represent a 3.3 percentage point increase from Q3 2025.
USF
Big Telecom Carriers Bankroll the Universal Service Fund
Panelist estimates that AT&T alone pays over $1 billion into the fund
USF
FCC Urged to Fully Fund Remaining Cybersecurity Pilot Program Applicants
Withdrawn applications free up enough to fund all others in full, New York's E-rate coordinator argued.
USF
Lawmakers Open Comment Portal on Future of Universal Service Fund
Working group sought input on the effectiveness of USF programs, proposed reforms
USF
FCC Opposed to More USF Briefing at Fifth Circuit
The Supreme Court preserved the broadband subsidy last month.
Christopher Mitchell
Reform to Universal Service Fund Still Urgently Needed, Say Experts
The Universal Service Fund remains unstable and in need of structural change, panelists said.
mergers
FCC Approves BCE Purchase of Ziply
The Canadian firm is set to acquire Ziply in a deal valued at $5 billion.
USF
Senate Passes Bill to Protect USF from Weak ISPs
Bill requires ISPs to disclose financial strength to receive funds
Digital Inclusion
FCC Keeps Lifeline Voice and Data Benefits Steady Through 2026
Bureau keeps voice-only subsidies alive for one more year
Cybersecurity
NYC’s Education Department and Public Library Pull Out of FCC’s Cybersecurity Initiative
Turn down funding from FCC’s $200 million program.
