Thanks to Bernadine Joselyn for sending me the article from Gov Tech (Members of Congress Urge FCC to Postpone Election Day Vote on Telecom).

Here’s the gist from the article:

On Tuesday, 61 Members of Congress signed a letter sent to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stating that the FCC’s proposed order overhauling key portions of telecom regulation would dramatically restructure intercarrier compensation and the Universal Service Fund, result in higher costs to consumers and hinder broadband investment across the country. Members of Congress urged the FCC to postpone its vote and “put the full proposal on record and seek public comment for a period of at least two months.”

“With so much at stake, we are concerned that the Commission has not released the full proposal for public review and comment,” said the letter. “The public deserves the opportunity to provide fully informed comments…

It’s getting to a point where I’m expecting to see tabloid reporters at the FCC meeting on Tuesday. First, there’s the controversy surrounding the White Spaces issue and now this.

I don’t know a ton about this lastest news on the Universal Service Funds (USF). Three members of the MN House Delegation also signed the letter: Congressmen Oberstar, Peterson and Walz, all from rural districts.

I know that the USF has been instrumental in getting broadband to schools, libraries and hospitals in the past. I know that it is often mentioned as a key to promoting universal service in the future. I also know that with the advent of telecommunications triple play and blurred industry barriers (among traditional telcos, wireless, and cable) that the USF bears looking into, Finally I know that if it’s worth looking into it’s worth doing right.