USF Reform Will Bring 21st Century Communications to Rural Areas

The unanimous vote by the Federal Communications Commission to reform the Universal Service Fund (USF) is a first step toward bringing the promise of high speed broadband to communities, residents, and businesses in rural and underserved areas.

"For five years, the Communications Workers of America's Speed Matters campaign has been pressing for modernization of the USF, to move it from its successful support for 'plain old telephone service' to helping build the 21 century communications systems that are critical to economic and community development, especially in underserved areas. The FCC's decision will help close the digital divide and help achieve world class broadband in the U.S.," said CWA President Larry Cohen.

Universal broadband deployment and adoption are not yet a reality in the United States, and some 24 million Americans have no home access to broadband. The United States continues to lag behind other nations in high-speed networks, falling to 15th in the world in broadband adoption and 25th in broadband speeds. Despite modest gains in broadband adoption rates this year, the digital divide persists. All Americans must have access to affordable high-speed Internet so they can realize the economic, educational, and social benefits that this 21st century communications network provides.

FCC Proposes Modernizing and Streamlining Universal Service (FCC)