A Robust Universal Service Fund is Critical to Economic Opportunity
With the recent Supreme Court oral arguments in Consumer’s Research v. FCC, deciding the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) and given the almost 22 million Americans who still lack broadband internet, /http/ reiterates its support that a thriving and viable USF is necessary to connect every American to the digital ecosystem.
In 1996, Congress established the USF to ensure that all Americans have access to necessary communications services. The USF is composed of four programs: (1) Lifeline - discount to low income households for phone service; (2) E-Rate - helps schools and libraries afford broadband; (3) High Cost - subsidizes internet service providers in rural areas; and (4) Rural Health Care - discounts internet service for rural health care providers. The USF has disbursed between $8-9 billion a year to help support these essential programs to keep rural communities connected, students online and educated, Americans connected to telehealth services, and provide accessible communication needs for the most at-need communities.
/http/ recognizes the important efforts in modernizing and revitalizing the USF framework - including the work currently taking place with a bipartisan and bicameral congressional working group. A robustly and sustainably funded USF that addresses the modern demands of society is critical. The digital divide prevails across communities and the USF is one essential tool to combat it.
The USF’s focus on low income families has meant that its Lifeline program alone has served over 8 million Americans across all communities and serves as a vital communications resource for the nearly 41 million Americans, beyond the Hispanic community, and connected families from all sectors of American society to an affordable communications service. /http/ continues to underscore the importance of the USF for the Hispanic community given our overrepresentation in the digital divide. Affordable access to broadband is essential to earn a quality education, compete in a competitive workforce and experience upward economic mobility. Strategic, bipartisan investments in digital infrastructures like the USF, along with advanced technology policies, ensures U.S. competitiveness and leadership in innovation.
Legislators have the opportunity to enhance the USF and to champion digital empowerment and ensure connectivity for all. It is essential for all communities to have the opportunity to unlock a flourishing future. The USF is one necessary component to achieving a prosperous American economy where all are connected to the services they need.
