A Time For Change: The Case for Reforming Universal Service Now

Efforts to modernize the Universal Service Fund have been underway in Washington nearly as long as the Fund has been in effect. Very little progress has been made on this issue, despite the almost universal agreement that the United States should place higher priority on broadband service than traditional telephone service. However, the stars seem to be finally aligning around the need for fundamental reform. Toward that end, the FCC has taken the lead on the issue with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the best ways to convert USF from a telephone-oriented program with runaway costs to a more efficient, forward-looking, broadband stimulus. Join us for a discussion of the urgency and best approaches to USF reform.