Universal Broadband Offers Potential for Businesses and Residents

[Commentary] Omaha is the teleservices capital of the country, but most of rural Nebraska continues to struggle to keep up in an increasingly connected world. These broadband challenges are not unique to rural Nebraska. As more services including healthcare, education, and e-commerce rapidly move to broadband, millions of Americans in unserved markets are missing the opportunity to participate in this necessary sphere. Also, as globalization substantially increases competition for high-wage jobs and professional services, continued US economic expansion demands that all Americans participate in the worldwide marketplace, something impossible without affordable access to broadband.

It is imperative that Congress and the FCC commit to a policy that will deliver broadband to all Americans. Congress and the Federal Communications Commission must work together to take on the monumental task of reforming the Universal Service Fund. As we move forward in reforming the USF, it is important to remember that the entire telecommunications network which includes wireless and voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) uses the wireline network. The Universal Service Fund is critical to ensuring that this network remains efficient.

First, Universal Service must be updated to include broadband. Second, the Fund must better target support to all consumers living in rural America. And third, the base of contributors must be expanded to ensure the Fund remains solvent and proper accountability measures must be adopted to protect the integrity of the Fund.