News
A coalition of organizations has banded together to lobby federal lawmakers as part of an effort to save the Universal Service Fund.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
A coalition of organizations called the ‘Keep America Connected Coalition’ has activated in an effort to save the Universal Service Fund.
Efforts to save the fund, which will also be a focus of SHLB Coalition Executive Director Joseph Wender’s keynote presentation on Day 1 of Connected America next week, have been spurred by recent court decisions.
The Universal Service Fund, also known as the USF, was expanded by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
As BBCMag.com has previously reported, the USF funds E-Rate, allows rural health care providers to pay rates for telecommunications services similar to those in urban areas, assists low-income customers with telecommunications affordability, and provides support to certain qualifying telephone companies that serve high-cost areas.
Back in July, of 2024, a decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals threw the future of the Universal Service Fund into a state of flux.
At the time, the New Orleans court described the USF’s funding source as a “misbegotten tax” that “violates Article I, § 1 of the Constitution.”
According to Broadband Breakfast, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide on the matter in the coming months.
Working to save the USF
Meanwhile, the Keep America Connected Coalition is lobbying lawmakers to enshrine the Universal Service Fund’s funding structure into law, hoping that if Congress legislates the fund, the USF’s Constitutionality will be unquestionable.
“Today, the USF’s future is in jeopardy after a controversial, precedent-breaking court decision,” the coalition’s website read. “If Congress fails to act and the USF is struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, rural communities, and hospitals, schools and libraries nationwide will be disconnected from essential communication services.”
The coalition, which is joined by groups like the NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, and the Competitive Carriers Association, also includes participation by Alaska-based GCI.
“The Universal Service Fund (USF) ensures every American — no matter where they live — can access baseline phone and internet,” the coalition’s website further stated. “Importantly, it also allows Americans access to telehealth and education that would not otherwise be possible.”
According to the Keep America Connected Coalition, over 132,000 schools and libraries could lose broadband funding if the USF evaporates.
Furthermore, the group’s website stated that over 54 million American students could lose connectivity without the fund.
Additionally, the organization’s website reported that over 16,000 health-care providers and over 7.5 million consumers could be impacted by the USF’s demise.
Click here to learn more about Connected America 2025, happening March 11-12 in Dallas.
