Universal Service and the Connect America Fund

Universal Service and the Connect America Fund

Created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1997, the Universal Service Fund (USF), administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), aim to meet Congressional universal service goals mandated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996: that all providers of telecommunications services should contribute to federal universal service in some equitable and nondiscriminatory manner; that there should be specific, predictable, and sufficient Federal and State mechanisms to preserve and advance universal service; that all schools, classrooms, health care providers, and libraries should, generally, have access to advanced telecommunications services; and that the Federal-State Joint Board and the FCC should determine principles that are consistent with the 1996 Act and are necessary to protect the public interest.

In 2011, the FCC approved a transition from the Universal Service Fund High-Cost Program to a new annual $4.5 billion Connect America Fund (CAF) to support broadband Internet, transitioning funding away from traditional copper voice-only service. The FCC has stated that the CAF's goal is to connect 7 million unserved rural Americans to broadband in six years, and puts the nation on a path to connect all 19 million unserved residents by 2020. TIA strongly supports the FCC's landmark reforms to universal service funding mechanisms, and continues to work with TIA members, the FCC, and other stakeholders to help the CAF succeed.

TIA Universal Service and the Connect America Fund-Related Filings

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is the leading trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of global networks. Sign up to stay connected.

Subscribe
for updates