About the Movement
Our organizations have joined forces to tackle this challenge because we recognize that our efforts will have more of an impact if we act together. We believe in building a multifaceted movement - one that builds upon the strength of our existing coalitions - and enables other organizations to join with us to ensure the continuation of Universal Service Funds. This effort will require a bipartisan solution and a host of collective actions - from judicial amici briefs to organizing grassroots support and mobilization grassroots communications. By pooling our resources, expertise, and influence, we - alongside you -can achieve a more significant impact and more comprehensive and sustainable solutions needed for the USF Program as a result of this misguided court decision.
We hope you will join us today with two simple actions:
Join the movement and increase the size and impact of the champions of this movement
Write Congress to advocate for a bicameral, bipartisan solution
Stories From The Field
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K12 Dive
What does Universal Service Fund ruling mean for E-rate?
A 5th Circuit decision could leave schools and libraries hanging on funds that help provide them with affordable internet services.
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National Taxpayers Union Federation
Fifth Circuit Declares Universal Service Fund Fee Unconstitutional
This decision is significant because it creates a Circuit split on the constitutionality of the fee, meaning that the Supreme Court is very likely to take the issue in the coming October 2024 term. This is a case worth watching.
Universal Service Fund programs
The E-Rate Program: This program helps tens of thousands of schools and libraries buy connectivity services and equipment.
The High Cost Program: This program, which counts various projects among its efforts including the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, helps subsidize broadband deployment and operating costs for telecom companies seeking to serve customers in rural parts of the United States.
The Lifeline Program: This subsidy, which dates to the Reagan era and has evolved over the decades, aids several million low-income households with a monthly benefit of $9.25 for phone or internet services.
The Rural Health Care Program: These subsidies flow to help subsidize the costs of internet connectivity for eligible healthcare providers like hospitals and community health centers, with the goal of benefiting consumers in remote parts of the country.