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
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
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.
Expert Opinion
Mark Vasconi: BEAD Shouldn’t Bet on Forever Subsidies
BEAD money is start-up capital and not designed to provide on-going support for long-term operating expenses.
OTI
Public Interest Groups Want T-Mobile-UScellular Merger Blocked
Advocates called for strict conditions if the merger proceeds.
USF
USF Contribution Factor to be 36.3% in January
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging the $8 billion fund's legality.
JD Vance
Levin: Broadband Affordability Should Be Republican Priority
Analyst likened the ACP to other essential government programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
USF
USF Contribution Factor Expected to Rise to 37.4 Percent
Analyst Blair Levin said that policymakers unlikely to intervene.
Rural
Senate Passes Bill to Ease SEC Reporting Rules on Rural Providers
Bill simplifies SEC reporting for providers with High-Cost support and assets under $10 million.
Digital Inclusion
EducationSuperHighway Unveils New ACP Approach
Proposal relies on Universal Service Fund amid Supreme Court scrutiny.
Rip and Replace
Rosenworcel: 30 Providers Completed 'Rip and Replace', More Funding Still Needed
The FCC chairwoman told lawmakers half the participants reported being unable to finish work without more funding.
Brendan Carr
Incoming FCC Chairman Carr Takes Aim at Censorship, Infrastructure
'We’ve been living under this cloud of censorship,' Carr said.
USF
High Court Watcher: SCOTUS Might Not Want to Upend Universal Service
The high court agreed Friday to review a decision finding the $8 billion-per-year broadband subsidy unconstitutional.
