The Fifth Circuit's ruling striking down the FCC’s Universal Service Fund sparks a potential overhaul in broadband policy, says ITIF.

Fifth Circuit Strikes Down FCC USF: ITIF Urges Broadband Funding Reform

In President Biden’s joint address to Congress, he highlighted his promise to improve America’s broadband. Under the American Jobs Plan, all Americans will have access to high-speed internet, including the 35% of rural American’s that still don’t have it.

Biden’s Broadband Boondoggle

Biden's Broadband Boondoggle

Inside AI Policy quoted Joe Kane on the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Universal Service Fund: “By sunsetting outdated rural infrastructure programs and focusing affordability support on those who need it, the USF can be a better tool for closing the digital divide without runaway taxes.”

Telecom Industry Says Supreme Court Decision Bolsters Broadband Buildout for AI

The FCC should not be content with Universal Service Fund programs that extract perennial multi-billion-dollar sums from consumers and pour them into the pockets of ISPs. Rather, the Commission should examine how to scale back its programs and shift to more limited and consumer-targeted assistance.

Comments to the FCC on the Future of the Universal Service Fund

ITIF recommends phasing out Universal Service and ICC subsidies and replacing them with a rural broadband program based on reverse auctions.

Comments to the FCC on Universal Service

Today's Supreme Court hearing underscores the urgent need for Congress to reform the Universal Service Fund to ensure broadband subsidies effectively address the digital divide, says ITIF.

Supreme Court Argument Highlights Needs for USF Reform, Says ITIF

The Senate is wise to reconsider the role of the Universal Service Fund (USF) since there has been dramatic progress toward closing the digital divide by other means.

Congress Should Eliminate the Universal Service Fund’s High-Cost and Lifeline Programs, Says ITIF

Congress Should Eliminate the Universal Service Fund's High-Cost and Lifeline Programs, Says ITIF

ITIF filed comments supporting the FCC’s proposals to transition the Lifeline program to support broadband subsidies for low-income consumers.

Comments to FCC on Modernizing Lifeline Program

An important discussion of the urgency and best approaches to USF reform.

How to Fund Universal Broadband Service Without the Universal Service Fund

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Fifth Circuit Strikes Down FCC USF: ITIF Urges Broadband Funding Reform

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