FCC
Consumers’ Research Continues Legal Attacks on USF
Group calls on FCC to cut fees despite Supreme Court ruling.
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.
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Withdrawn applications free up enough to fund all others in full, New York's E-rate coordinator argued.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.
BEAD
Gomez: Preserve Remaining State Control of BEAD
The FBA president said he was optimistic states would ultimately be able to maximize fiber deployment.
USF
UScellular Fires Back at Allegations It Misuses USF Funds
Calls RWA allegations ‘baseless and unsupported.'
Expert Opinion
Roslyn Layton: With Supreme Court Clarity, It’s Time for Congress to Modernize the USF
The Supreme Court's decision underscores that real reform must come through legislative, not judicial, channels.
USF
Industry, Advocates Hail Preservation of USF, But Say Reforms are Still Needed
Reactions to the Supreme Court's Friday ruling that the Universal Service Fund is Constitutional
Supreme Court
Supreme Court Upholds Universal Service Fund, 6-3
The court said the contribution scheme and management were Constitutional.
