NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association released the following in response to the Supreme Court opinion in FCC v. Consumers’ Research, overturning a lower court’s finding that the current funding mechanism of the Universal Service Fund (USF) is unconstitutional.
NTCA, several other parties and the federal government petitioned the Supreme Court to review a lower court’s decision declaring the USF contribution mechanism unconstitutional.
“We greatly appreciate the court’s affirmation today of the universal service programs that, for many decades, have promoted the availability and affordability of critical communications services for rural health care facilities, schools and libraries, and millions of rural and low-income consumers across the nation. We appreciate the work of the many stakeholders and their legal teams that defended the constitutionality of these programs through numerous court challenges. With this ruling in place, we look forward to refocusing now on critical universal service reform efforts, including spreading contribution obligations more equitably among all who use and benefit from cutting-edge communications networks. We look forward to working with Congress and the FCC to achieve these essential reforms and sustain these critical programs.”