Reactions to the Supreme Court Ruling on FCC vs Consumers Research

"We are glad to see the Supreme Court uphold the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund, which is critical for expanding reliable internet access to rural and low-income Americans, schools, libraries, and rural health centers,” said Reps Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Richard Hudson (R-NC). “The Committee on Energy and Commerce can now turn its attention to reforming the USF so it can continue to provide every American with access to the connectivity they need to participate in the 21st century economy.” 

“For years, the FCC’s universal service program has played a key role in expanding connectivity and Internet service to Americans in communities across the country," said Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr. "In my time on the Commission, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the benefits that have come with the connections powered by the agency’s USF program. I am glad to see the Court’s decision today and welcome it as an opportunity to turn the FCC’s focus towards the types of reforms necessary to ensure that all Americans have a fair shot at next-generation connectivity.”

Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez said, "I’m glad the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the USF, providing Congress with the clarity and confidence it needs to continue to pursue a bipartisan, bicameral solution to protect this vital program." 

“Universal service is the cornerstone of the FCC’s mission," said Federal Communications Commissioner Olivia Trusty. "I welcome the Supreme Court’s decision and I look forward to working with my colleagues and Congress on thoughtful reforms to the universal service program to expand access to critical communications services and close the digital divide.”

"Today is a great day. We will need some time to sort through the details of today’s decision, but what matters most is that the Supreme Court has given the green light to the FCC to continue to support internet access to the tens of millions of Americans and the thousands of schools, libraries and rural hospitals that rely on the Universal Service Fund. Benton is proud to have been among the petitioners who joined to bring this case to the Supreme Court," said Benton Institute for Broadband and Society Executive Director Revati Prasad.

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling marks a significant victory in our efforts to close the digital divide,” said Joseph Wender, Executive Director of the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband coalition. “This decision protects the broadband connections that students, veterans, job seekers, healthcare providers, and rural families rely on every day. We’re proud to have played a leading role in defending the Universal Service Fund.  SHLB now looks forward to working  with the bipartisan Congressional Universal Service Fund working group to improve the USF to ensure it remains predictable, sustainable, and effective in the long run at bringing connectivity to anchor institutions and the communities they serve around the country.”

"The Supreme Court decision affirms what digital inclusion advocates, educators, health providers, and community leaders have long known: the Universal Service Fund is an essential tool in the connectivity toolbox, helping to ensure that every American can access affordable, reliable communications services," said Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. "This decision protects the communications safety net that millions of people rely on every day."

Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of the American Association for Public Broadband, said, "The Supreme Court’s decision confirms what we have known for decades: Congress lawfully delegated to the FCC the ability to ensure universal and affordable connectivity through its Universal Service Fund."

"While it is really good news that the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Fund and USAC’s role in administering it, the Court’s decision today does not fix the fact that the Fund is in desperate need of reform to ensure its long-term health and mission," said Greg Guice, Chief Policy Officer of Vernonburg Group and President of the Affordable Broadband Campaign. "There are too few contributors to a fund that is more important today than it has ever been, and the low-income subsidy in particular is far too meager to ensure that the most vulnerable are connected to a tool that is essential for full participation in society and the economy. This decision is a call to action."

Brandon Forester, Senior Campaign Lead at MediaJustice, said, “We commend the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. The Court has settled an important fight to support affordability programs that expand access to high-speed Internet for all consumers. Despite attacks from dark money groups like Consumers’ Research, whose ultimate goal is to destroy public programs and privatize essential goods and services for corporate gain, we became intervenors in this lawsuit because we know that the USF is an essential public good."

“Rural communities especially depend on affordable, reliable access to phone and internet service,” said Richard Dubois, Executive Director of the National Consumer Law Center. “Today’s decision protects the existing, basic level of these essential services for rural and low-income households across the country.”

John Bergmayer, Legal Director at Public Knowledge, said, “We are relieved that the Supreme Court upheld the FCC’s congressionally delegated authority to administer the Universal Service Fund, and to work with the nonprofit Universal Service Administrative Company. This decision protects vital programs that provide connectivity to rural communities, schools, hospitals, and low-income families, ensuring no American is left behind in the digital age."

"Now that SCOTUS has put these questions surrounding the USF’s constitutionality to rest, OTI and other like-minded public interest organizations can finally turn back to the real task at hand: Transforming the USF to better ensure that all Americans have access to modern, reliable, and affordable connectivity services," said Prem Trivedi, policy director of the Open Technology Institute at New America.

“Throughout the litigation process, ALA has been encouraged to see widespread support for E-Rate and other USF programs from Congress, state and local leaders, the applicant community and beyond," said American Library Association President Cindy Hohl. "We must continue to work with partners and national leaders to ensure that the USF remains a sustainable, predictable and long-term source of funding and access for decades to come.”

"In today's online world, broadband isn't just about streaming and social media—it's about kids succeeding in school, workers finding jobs, patients getting life-saving health care, and so much more. By upholding the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund, which for nearly three decades has kept millions connected, the Court has affirmed that the government had properly implemented this vital resource, ensuring Americans have access to the digital infrastructure that underpins all modern communications. In the wake of this ruling, Common Sense Media encourages lawmakers and the FCC to build on this momentum and strengthen the USF in order to meet the evolving needs of kids and families in the digital age," said Amina Fazlullah, Common Sense Media Head of Tech Policy Advocacy.

David Bowart, Chair of the National Lifeline Association, said, “The National Lifeline Association applauds the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund and the Federal Communications Commission’s use of Universal Service Administration Company to administer USF programs, including Lifeline. This decision means that essential programs that make it possible for low-income Americans to work, learn and receive healthcare online can continue."

Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, Connected Nation, said, "We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund, which has long served as a cornerstone for expanding connectivity to our nation’s rural communities, schools, libraries, and health centers ... As we look to the future, however, this decision should mark not just a reaffirmation, but a renewed call to action. The Universal Service Fund must be modernized to ensure it can support the telecommunications infrastructure needed to power next-generation technologies—including artificial intelligence."

“We’re relieved that the Court recognized the constitutionality of the USF and rejected the erroneous arguments made by the plaintiff in today’s ruling,” said Derrick Owens, WTA’s Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs. “As we highlighted in our amicus brief, there would have been significant harm to rural America had the court sided with the Fifth Circuit’s en banc decision.”

“We greatly appreciate the court’s affirmation today of the universal service programs that, for many decades, have promoted the availability and affordability of critical communications services for rural health care facilities, schools and libraries, and millions of rural and low-income consumers across the nation," said NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association.

“Today’s decision is a major victory for the millions of Americans who depend on affordable, reliable broadband, especially in rural communities," said US Telecom. "This decision gives Congress and the Administration the momentum they need to modernize the USF for the next generation."

NCTA - The Internet and Television Association said, “NCTA is pleased that the Supreme Court’s decision will avoid disruption to the essential work of the Universal Service program. We look forward to working with Congress and the FCC to make the adjustments necessary to ensure the program works more effectively and efficiently on behalf of the American people over the long term.”

"This U.S. Supreme Court decision finding that USF does not violate the non-delegation doctrine is good news. It resolves a longstanding question and offers certainty, which encourages companies to commit to deployment and affordability efforts,” said ACA Connects President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer.

“For decades, the USF has been the cornerstone of rural connectivity, ensuring that rural families, farmers, schools, and healthcare providers in rural communities are not left behind in the digital age,” said Carri Bennet, Rural Wireless Association’s Outside General Counsel. “Today’s decision affirms the importance of universal service and the FCC’s role in preserving and advancing it.”

Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan said, “The Universal Service Fund is critical for Competitive Carriers Association members, the broader communications industry, and all Americans who rely on connectivity where it otherwise might not be offered. By upholding the USF, the Supreme Court has ensured that all Americans can benefit from the goal of ubiquitous connectivity, empowering innovation, supporting critical services, and driving the growth of our digital economy. We are pleased with the Court’s decision, and our members will continue their work of providing broadband connectivity throughout rural America.”

"While the legality of the Fund's structure should never have been in doubt, the communications industry has changed since the USF was originally created in 1996. As technicians and customer service representatives in the telecommunication industry, CWA members see the positive impact of the USF every day. We also recognize that broadband internet and other emerging technologies now play a central role in our daily lives. It’s time for Congress to recognize this and take action to modernize the contribution mechanism supporting the fund to ensure that these essential services are available and affordable for all Americans," said the Communications Workers of America.