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.
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.
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.
SpaceX
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
Benton
Broadband Industry, Advocates Defend USF to High Court
They said the underlying statute should survive even if SCOTUS expands the non-delegation doctrine.
USF
Solicitor General Defends Universal Service Fund at High Court
The administration argued the law standing up the $8 billion fund didn't run afoul of the non-delegation doctrine.
USAC
Rosenworcel Appoints Eight to Serve on USAC Board
Board members will provide leadership at a time of possible reform.
Rural
NTCA Report Finds Middle Mile Costs Dropping for Rural Providers
High last-mile deployment costs, permitting delays, and inflationary pressures continue to hamper rural broadband expansion.
12 Days of Broadband
Loper Bright, A Court Ruling That Changes How D.C. Operates
Loper Bright sets the stage for a Republican-led overhaul of broadband and telecom policy in 2025.
12 Days of Broadband
A Year of Challenges for the Universal Service Fund
In 2024, USF encountered widespread calls for reforms to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
