Tag Archives: universal service funds

Proposed legislation would have broadband providers contribute to Universal Service Fund (USF)

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Telecompetitor reports…

Several U.S. senators introduced legislation that if passed, would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess contributions from broadband and edge providers to the Universal Service Fund (USF).

The USF is allocated to broadband builds in rural and Tribal areas, connections for schools, hospitals and libraries, as well as a low-income affordability program.

Until now, broadband and edge providers haven’t been required to contribute to the USF. Since its launch in 1997, USF funding has been the burden of traditional telecommunications companies, including wireline and wireless companies, as well as cable companies that provide voice services. Amid fears over that revenue base “trending toward $0,” the proposed allocated budget for the USF in the fourth quarter of 2023 was still $6.03 billion.

Lawmakers (Sen Klobuchar & Rep Craig) introduce bipartisan legislation to expand access to rural broadband

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Senator Klobuchar helped lead the pack in the Senate…

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access to rural communities. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would strengthen funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services. Currently, the USF is primarily funded through landline fees, disproportionately impacting seniors, who are more likely to use landlines than other Americans. …

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access to rural communities. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would strengthen funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services. Currently, the USF is primarily funded through landline fees, disproportionately impacting seniors, who are more likely to use landlines than other Americans.

US Representative Angie Craig helped lead the pack in the House…

Tuesday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig helped introduce the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act to reform Federal Communications Commission (FCC) practices and expand broadband access to more rural Minnesotans.

The bill would direct the FCC to modernize the system they use to fund broadband and telecommunications expansion to ensure low-income and rural communities can continue to use the program.