USF can provide cost-effective broadband access to every state

USF CAN PROVIDE COST-EFFECTIVE BROADBAND ACCESS TO EVERY STATE
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)]
[Commentary] A recent Government Accountability Office report found that two-thirds of Americans do not have access to broadband service. Several factors have prevented Americans from accessing broadband service; chief among these is cost. Broadband is too expensive for some families, and others cannot even afford to purchase home computers. We must address this issue now because the delay in deploying affordable high-speed Internet service is stifling innovation and limiting our ability to compete in the global marketplace. Later this month, the Senate Commerce Committee will consider S. 2686, the Communications, Consumer’s Choice and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006. The centerpiece of S. 2686 is a program called Universal Service, which helps provide affordable communications services in every state. This bill updates the program for the digital age by using Universal Service Fund money to establish a $500 million account that will finance broadband deployment to unserved areas.
http://thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/061406/ss_stevens.html