Sen. Inouye Seeking To Craft Bipartisan Universal Service Bill

SEN INOUYE SEEKING TO CRAFT BIPARTISAN UNIVERSAL SERVICE BILL
[SOURCE: Technology Daily 3/1, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
Senate Commerce Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) will work with members of his panel from both parties to craft legislation aimed at overhauling the universal service fund. Apparently, the measure would focus only on revamping the multibillion-dollar fund, which subsidizes telecommunications service in rural and impoverished areas -- and is not envisioned as broader telecom legislation. Noting that the committee's membership is heavily rural, Sen Inouye said during a USF hearing, "I can assure you that we will have some action here, including a measure on the floor." But to do so, he acknowledged that he must consider the concerns and interests of many parties. "It will be a challenge, but I can assure you, we will take on that challenge," he said. To assist with the process, Inouye plans an in-depth briefing on the potential -- and limitations -- of high-speed Internet and wireless services. Lawmakers and regulators agreed that the USF is bloated and outdated, but disagreed on how to improve it.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-JZQH1173297103250.html