Comments to FCC Regarding Reforming the High-Cost Program For an All-IP Future

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation appreciates the opportunity to comment on Reforming the High-Cost Program for an All-IP Future. The Federal Communications Commission should eliminate legacy high-cost support mechanisms and allow A-CAM support to expire without extension. These programs have achieved their original objectives, while changes in the broadband marketplace have substantially reduced the policy rationale for continuing them. Accordingly, the Commission should phase out support consistent with existing program timelines, terminate mechanisms that no longer advance the Commission’s statutory objectives, and refocus a smaller Universal Service Fund on broadband affordability and adoption. The Commission should also consider that these same market developments support broader reform of the High-Cost Fund.