#UniversalServiceFund

Bridging the Gap: Funding Universal Service in the Broadband Era The key tool meant to help everyone in the United States access communications services is stuck in the past. Here are the paths forward.

The #UniversalServiceFund (#USF) is central to closing the #DigitalDivide, but its full potential for the future requires major reforms, according to a new @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org report by OTI’s @jessicadine.bsky.social and @tabularaza.net. Read more: www.newamerica.org/oti/reports/...

Bridging the Gap: Funding Universal Service in the Broadband Era The key tool meant to help everyone in the United States access communications services is stuck in the past. Here are the paths forward.

The full potential of #UniversalServiceFund (#USF) to close the #DigitalDivide can’t be realized without major reforms, starting with the contribution base! So says OTI's new report by @jessicadine.bsky.social & @tabularaza.net @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org
www.newamerica.org/oti/reports/...

Namibian Universal Service Fund assesses 16 proposed mobile sites - Telecompaper Namibian Universal Service Fund assesses 16 proposed mobile sites  Telecompaper

#Namibia #MobileSites #Telecom #UniversalServiceFund #DigitalAccess

Namibia’s universal service fund takes a major step toward bridging the digital divide By Monica Nangutuwala In an effort to extend telecommunications access to underserved communities, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), through its Universal Service Fund (USF), concluded a comprehensive site verification exercise across nine (9) regions. Conducted from 28 April to 23 May 2025, the exercise focused on assessing 16

#Namibia #DigitalDivide #UniversalServiceFund #Telecommunications #AccessForAll

Supreme Court overturns 5th Circuit ruling that upended Universal Service Fund The Supreme Court today reversed a ruling that threatened the future of the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund. In a 6–3 opinion, the high court said the US Court of Appeals...

Supreme Court overturns 5th Circuit ruling that upended Universal Service Fund #Technology #Business #Other #UniversalServiceFund #SupremeCourt #Telecommunications

Supreme Court overturns 5th Circuit ruling that upended Universal Service Fund https://arstechni.ca #UniversalServiceFund #SupremeCourt #Policy

OTI Welcomes SCOTUS Ruling Upholding the Constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund OTI’s response to this morning’s SCOTUS decision, which reverses a July 2024 Fifth Circuit ruling and upholds key aspects of the USF.

Today’s #SCOTUS decision in FCC v. Consumers’ Research—which reverses a ‘24 5th Cir. ruling & upholds key aspects of the #UniversalServiceFund ( #USF) —is “a promising step in the right direction toward closing the #DigitalDivide,” per Open Technology Institute’s @premmtrivedi.bsky.social:

OTI Welcomes SCOTUS Ruling Upholding the Constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund OTI’s response to this morning’s SCOTUS decision, which reverses a July 2024 Fifth Circuit ruling and upholds key aspects of the USF.

Today’s #SCOTUS decision in
FCC v. Consumers’ Research—which reverses the 5th Cir. & upholds key aspects of the #UniversalServiceFund (#USF)—is “a step in the right direction toward closing the #DigitalDivide." Open Tech Institute @newamerica.org statement: www.newamerica.org/oti/press-re...

What Is the Universal Service Fund? What is the Universal Service Fund, and how it works to help close the digital divide in the United States?

Today, #SCOTUS is reviewing the July 2024 5th Cir. ruling that deemed the #UniversalServiceFund unconstitutional—but what does #USF have to do with #DigitalEquity & why should we #ProtectUSF?

This @newamerica.org OTI explainer shows why #UniversalServiceMatters: www.newamerica.org/oti/blog/wha...

Govt commits N$145 million to bridging rural digital divide The government has allocated N$145 million over the next three years to enhance digital connectivity in rural areas and underserved communities. This will be done through the Universal Service Fund (USF), which was launched last week by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran). According to a statement issued by Cran, the fund aims to provide financial assistance to mobile network operators, helping to overcome the challenges of expanding services in areas with high-risk and low-return potential. “Through subsidies, the fund will enable the introduction of advanced telecommunications technologies to remote regions, ensuring all Namibians have access to digital resources,” the statement reads. Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has already been allocated a N$31-million subsidy. One of the key goals of the initiative is to promote digital literacy, with priority given to regions with less than 80% 4G coverage, in line with the national broadband policy. These regions include the Kavango West, Kavango East, Kunene, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto regions. In addition to expanding telecommunications infrastructure, the USF will also provide 16 schools and four clinics with uncapped Wi-Fi. Cran board chairperson Tulimevava Mufeti says digital connectivity is essential for key sectors such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and overall socio-economic development. “Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. It is fundamental for education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and overall socio-economic development. The USF is a strategic tool designed to close this gap by fostering innovation and collaboration to expand telecommunications infrastructure,” Mufeti says. Minister of information and communication technology (ICT) Emma Theofelus says the country has made progress in expanding telecommunications infrastructure. “Statistically, our achievements are commendable. Our efforts in rolling out base stations to underserved and remote communities are paying off. This is helping to bridge the digital divide and providing access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities,” she says. Mobile network coverage now reaches 91% of the population, while internet penetration continues to rise. In urban areas, nearly 85% of households have access to reliable internet services. “Schools are increasingly being equipped with digital tools, giving pupils access to online learning resources, while local businesses can expand their reach through digital platforms,” Theofelus says. She says the launch of the USF supports Namibia’s Vision 2030, the Fifth National Development Plan, and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, which all prioritise ICT development as a key pillar of national progress. The post Govt commits N$145 million to bridging rural digital divide appeared first on The Namibian.

#DigitalInclusion #RuralConnectivity #Namibia #TechForGood #UniversalServiceFund

A new Supreme Court case seeks to revive one of the most dangerous ideas from the Great Depression — Vox Federal law seeks to make communications technology like telephones and the internet, in the words of one older statute, “available, so far as possible, to all the people of the United States.

In todays’s install of #LeopardsAteMyFace

Uh oh folks in #rural #counties gonna face real #expense #phone #internet if #SCOTUS doesn’t #reverse USCt of Appls 5th Cir.’s findings that #UniversalServiceFund is #unconstitutional.

If these #MAGAts only knew how much everyone subsidizes them. 🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️

Public Knowledge Joins Groups Urging SCOTUS To Reverse Devastating Fifth Circuit Decision Undermining Universal Service Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.

🚨 Today, we filed an amicus brief alongside Affordable Broadband Campaign, Common Sense Media, @chamberofprogress.bsky.social, & @cwaunion.bsky.social urging the Supreme Court to reverse the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision declaring the #UniversalServiceFund unconstitutional. Our statement👇:

Supreme Court to review 5th Circuit ruling that upends Universal Service Fund 5th Circuit ruling threatens $8 billion program that expands broadband access.

Pay attention to this: the supreme court is going to review the Universal Service Fund (i.e., E-Rate!). E-Rate's a good thing, & saves a lot of libraries and schools a TON of money on networking, internet access, etc. More here - arstechnica.com/tech-policy/... #erate #universalservicefund

110. The Universal Service Fund and the Non-Delegation Doctrine Friday's major new cert. grant raises the question whether the justices are poised to reinvigorate the non-delegation doctrine, or whether they're just going to slap the Fifth Circuit down again.

Good explainer on the Consumers v #FCC case and a quick overview of considerations of what the Court might be thinking www.stevevladeck.com/p/110-the-un... #ERate #UniversalServiceFund #USF

Bloomberg Law: Accused 911 Mastermind Avoids Death Penalty - Bloomberg Host June Grasso speaks with prominent attorneys and legal scholars, analyzing major legal issues and cases in the news.

🔊 Tune in below to hear from @publicknowledge.bsky.social Legal Director @punk.cool with @bloomberg.com's Bloomberg Law podcast as he breaks down the 5th Circuit Court decision finding the funding mechanism for the #UniversalServiceFund unconstitutional. Listen below: