WC Docket No. 11-42, Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization; WC Docket No. 09-197, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support; WC Docket No. 10-90, Connect America Fund
On July 14, 2017, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association submitted a letter to the FCC to discuss recent changes to the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) Lifeline program, in particular the inflation- based update to the program’s budget target as well as the minimum service standards for broadband Internet access service (“BIAS”) eligible for support. The purpose of the letter was to discuss the continuing disconnect between the Lifeline and High Cost USF programs that is already leaving a large number of rural consumers (low-income and otherwise) stuck in the “digital divide.”