Transition of Universal Service from Phone to Broadband

Speaking at the Massachusetts Broadband Conference in Boston, Federal Communications Commission member Mignon Clyburn focused on the economic benefits of broadband, and how we can narrow the digital divide so more Americans can participate in attaining those benefits. She recapped the FCC’s recent decision to reform and modernize the Universal Service Fund. Commissioner Clyburn stressed that the FCC relies on state regulators identifying the areas that currently are unserved by broadband. In addition, the FCC needs the states’ help in ensuring that those providers who receive funding, meet their public interest obligations to build and serve.