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.
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.
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.
Benton
Supreme Court to Decide Fate of $8 Billion Broadband Fund
The outcome could affect millions who depend on the USF for affordable communication services.
Expert Opinion
Policy Priorities for a Changing Guard at the FCC
Whether a second Trump administration will seize the moment to reset telecom policy is unknown, but the time for action is now.
USF
Ajit Pai: Congress Should Fund the USF
Congress would have to act in order for tech companies to be assessed, said Pai
SpaceX
Levin: Elon Musk’s Growing Power Over U.S. Telecom Policy
Musk’s influence could drive changes to BEAD, spectrum policy, and the Universal Service Fund
Spectrum
Senate Majority Leader Thune Expected to Prioritize Spectrum
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., would likely rein in Sen. Ted Cruz on USF, experts said.
Energy and Commerce
Rep. Latta Eying Energy and Commerce Chair
The Ohio Republican currently heads communications and technology subcommittee.
