Hearing On H.R. 5828, The "Universal Service Reform Act Of 2010"'

On Sept 16, the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet held a legislative hearing on H.R. 5828, the "Universal Service Reform Act of 2010", a bill sponsored by subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA). There's a consensus in Washington that the multibillion dollar annual fund needs reform, but rather than fully overhaul the program, the bill targets the high cost fund, the method of fund collection and the inclusion of funds for the support of broadband.

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association plans to reaffirm its general support for the brand of Universal Service Fund (USF) reform proposed by House Telecommunications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA).

The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, a group representing small and rural telecommunications carriers, argues that some of the proposed changes included in legislation to overhaul the Universal Service Fund could hinder their ability to operate in some areas or invest in broadband infrastructure.