Bringing Universal Service into the 21st Century

In order to achieve universal broadband, the Universal Service Fund should be used to ensure nationwide access to high-speed Internet, according to the FCC.

Currently, voice service is guaranteed to every American - regardless of geographic region or income level - through the universal service fund. The program will distribute more than $8 billion in support in 2010 alone.

Funding today, however, is not targeted towards universal broadband access. The National Broadband Plan is expected to contain support for transitioning the universal service fund from voice subsidies to financial support for high-speed data connections.

The draft National Broadband Plan will offer the following recommendations:

• Transition to a new Connect America Fund that will extend broadband to areas currently not served due to carrier cost considerations.
• Create the Mobility Fund, a program to ensure that every American has access to 3G wireless services. While 3G access is widespread, many areas lag behind. Subsidies from the Fund would go towards ensuring that every state is up to the national average.

Comprehensive Universal Service Fund reform is necessary to ensure that underserved communities receive the tools necessary to stay connected in the 21st century.

The National Broadband Plan is expected to offer an ambitious agenda on how to achieve universal high-speed Internet availability. The plan will be unveiled to Congress on March 17, 2010.

Reforming Universal Service For 21st Century Communications (FCC)