ITI Offers Recommendations to Modernize Universal Service Fund and Expand Broadband Accessibility
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI submitted recommendations (opens in a new tab) to the Universal Service Fund (USF) Working Group – a bipartisan coalition of members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. ITI’s comments highlight how to secure the future of critical federal programs that enable broadband connectivity for rural communities, low-income families, and our nation’s schools and libraries.
“Every American must have access to broadband to fully participate in our internet-driven economy. The USF plays a key role in closing the digital divide,” said ITI President and CEO Jason Oxman. “But the future of USF is in jeopardy because of the current laws and regulations regarding how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) funds this essential program. Policymakers must act now to put USF on strong footing by assessing broadband and rejecting inequitable and infeasible proposals to tax the internet, which ultimately undermine our goal of universal connectivity.”
In its submission, ITI encourages the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to:
- Stabilize USF by expanding the contributions base to broadband internet access service (BIAS) revenues;
- Build on the success of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to support broadband subscriptions and devices;
- Modernize E-Rate by allowing the program to be used for advanced cybersecurity solutions; and more.
Read ITI’s full recommendations here (opens in a new tab).
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