Legislators Seek USF Support For Broadband-Only Subscribers

Nearly 50 senators from both parties have called on the Federal Communications Commission to reform the Universal Service Fund so that it supports broadband-only service in rural areas.

In a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the 44 legislators, led by Sen John Thune (R-SD), ranking member of the Commerce Committee, and Sen Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said that if the FCC does not make the change, it would lead to less choice and support for rural consumers.

The FCC is migrating USF support from traditional telephone to broadband as part of its revamp of USF, and the senators point to that USF goal of increasing broadband adoption. Currently, they point out, a smaller, rate-of-return carrier is eligible for support if a rural consumer buys phone service, whether or not they take broadband, but carriers don't get USF money for broadband, only rural subs.