November 2007

On Tuesday, November 20, 2007, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) offered what Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Michael Copps said "may well be the most important single action a Joint Board has ever taken." In a set of recommendations the FCC now has one year to vote on, the Joint Board suggested the current definition of services supported by the federal Universal Service Fund be expanded to include high-speed, broadband Internet access.

The following statement can be attributed to Benton Foundation Chairman and CEO Charles Benton:

"The Joint Board has finally recognized that high-speed Internet services are essential to the nation's education, public health, and public safety needs. With this finding, it is obvious that the our communications goals should include universal availability of broadband Internet services at affordable and comparable rates throughout the country.

"The Joint Board’s recommendation is a critical recognition that we must modernize the universal fund for the digital age and extend broadband’s reach to those who can benefit most. As communications technologies change, universal service must change with it, thus helping advance America’s communication future. However, I am disappointed that in taking this historic step that the Joint Board didn't go farther – to transition more significantly from supporting outdated analog technologies to supporting digital technologies. The challenge and benefits from universal broadband are immense – but they chose to attack the challenge with a rubber-band gun rather than a concerted national effort to make us the first in the world in broadband. Some say we can't afford to make this change. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that we can't afford not to.

"Our nation’s commitment to ubiquitous and affordable communications has never been more important than now. Making broadband as common as telephone service must be our goal in the 21st century. We are only on the threshold of an information technology revolution if we preserve and strengthen our guarantee of universal, affordable communication access for all Americans.

"The Federal Communications Commission should take the opportunity of USF reform to bring the promise of 21st century communications to all American. It should use USF support to extend broadband’s reach to those who can benefit most, envisioning USF as not just a safety net to ensure an old communications service, but as a springboard for access to the engine of our economic future."