To Save Universal Service Fund, FCC Must Adopt USForward Report Recommendation Immediately

INCOMPAS is pressing the Federal Communications Commission to make the smart, transparent and expedient choice to save the Universal Service Fund. By evolving USF to include contributions from broadband internet access service providers, which the FCC could do immediately without an act of Congress, INCOMPAS says low-income families, schools and rural hospitals would all benefit from this renewed commitment to ongoing affordability solutions. INCOMPAS warns that the USF program is spiraling toward disaster, with contribution levels set to rise to nearly 40%. To save USF, INCOMPAS offers detailed suggestions that would promote four key elements: competition, coordination, affordability and transparency. INCOMPAS also lays out steps the FCC should include in its Report to Congress on the Future of USF. INCOMPAS emphasized the need to assess each USF program and to work with states and other agencies on long-term solutions to better track the program and ensure quality service remains available at reasonable and affordable rates. INCOMPAS also blasted attempts by critics of internet and streaming innovators who are seeking to delay and derail USF reform by placing new taxes and fees on competitive alternatives to expensive big cable bundles.