Bi-Partisan Delegation Introduces Universal Broadband Act

Reps Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Don Young (R-AK) -- with the bipartisan support of T.J. Cox (D-CA), Hal Rogers (R-KY), Angie Craig (D-MN), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Luis Correa (D-CA), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Ed Case (D-HI), and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) -- have introduced The Universal Broadband Act today to ensure rural Americans have the opportunity to access reliable broadband services. The Universal Broadband Act will achieve this goal by expanding the Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution base to include broadband services, rather than the current outdated model that draws support solely from telephone services. The costs of building out service to areas without adequate broadband continues to rise, while the current base that contributes to the USF is declining. This has resulted in an increasingly growing contribution factor, overburdening those who are required to contribute. The Universal Broadband Act would provide long-awaited reinvestment into the USF that prioritizes building out broadband without over-burdening the FCC from extensive new regulations. The bill would:

• Codify that broadband is within the definition of Universal Service;
• Require the FCC to set the contribution rate as needed to meet Universal Service goals and serve all Americans;
• Require consultation between USDA’s Rural Utility Service (RUS), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the FCC;
• Create reporting requirements to ensure the FCC is meeting their build out goals; and
• Prioritize unserved areas, and further ensure tribal areas are served.