USF Reform: We're All In This Together

We are busy at the FCC developing proposals to reform key aspects of the universal service fund. I've been fortunate in recent weeks to be able to travel outside of D.C. with several FCC colleagues to listen and learn from a broad cross section of stakeholders that share a common goal of promoting innovation and investment in broadband across America. I attended the NARUC Summer Meetings in Sacramento, where I participated in several panels, including a discussion of the National Broadband Plan and its USF recommendations and a discussion of the regulatory framework for broadband services. Our colleagues at state public utility commissions have a keen interest in what's going on in Washington, DC and how the FCC's actions might impact citizens in their states. We recognize the magnitude of the task and know that it's too great for the FCC to accomplish on its own. I'm convinced that we have to work closely with our state, local and Tribal government partners, as well as the private sector and non-profits, in discussing how to reform USF to advance broadband for local communities. They know what's on the ground. We're all in this together.