Search Results for keywords:"Universal Service Fund"

Found 5 results

Search Results: keywords:"Universal Service Fund"

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  • 2024-29053 — Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, December 11, 2024
    Type:Notice
    Citation:89 FR 99866
    Reading Time:about a minute or two

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is holding an Open Meeting on December 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Washington, DC. The meeting is open to the public, but attendees must check in with FCC security as the building is not open access. The meeting will cover several topics, including expanding unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band and updating broadcast rules. It will be streamed live online with available accommodations for people with disabilities. Members of the press are welcome and will have the ability to attend a news conference with the Chairwoman afterward.

    Simple Explanation

    The people in charge of how we use radios and internet are having a big meeting to talk about making more space for things that work without wires, like some devices that use Wi-Fi, and to update rules for radio and TV stations. Some parts of what they plan to discuss are a bit unclear, like some actions they're thinking about and how they help people with special needs at the meeting.

  • 2025-02953 — Connect America Fund et al.
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    Type:Rule
    Citation:90 FR 10456
    Reading Time:about 34 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has changed the rules for letters of credit (LOCs) required for recipients of high-cost support under the Universal Service Fund programs. Previously, banks needed a specific safety rating to issue LOCs, but now they must be “well capitalized” according to federal bank standards. This change aims to make it easier for companies to secure LOCs, which are necessary to ensure rapid broadband deployment. Additionally, the FCC is allowing recipients to reduce the value of their LOCs faster if they meet certain deployment milestones, freeing up funds for more broadband expansion.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC changed the rules so that companies can get help faster for building internet in hard-to-reach places by making it easier for them to get special bank promises called "letters of credit."

  • 2024-30967 — Connect America Fund, Alaska Connect Fund, ETC Annual Reports and Certifications, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible To Receive Universal Service Support, Universal Service Reform-Mobility Fund; Correction
    Type:Rule
    Citation:89 FR 105473
    Reading Time:about a minute or two

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a correcting amendment to fix an error in a previous rule regarding the Universal Service Fund's high-cost program. This correction was initially published in the Federal Register on April 10, 2024. The rule involves changes to part 36 of CFR, which deals with procedures for dividing telecommunications costs. It also includes guidelines for local exchange carriers on filing petitions for changes in study area boundaries.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC made a small fix to some rules about how the money for phones and internet is shared to make sure everyone can connect, but they didn't say exactly what the mistake was. They also mention special rules for phone companies to change where they work, but it's not very clear what those rules are.

  • 2025-03923 — Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
    Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 11832
    Reading Time:about 3 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the re-establishment of a computer matching program in collaboration with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. This program aims to help determine the eligibility of applicants and subscribers for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Lifeline program, which provides discounted broadband and voice services for low-income individuals. It specifically checks if applicants or subscribers in Nevada are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid. This initiative is part of efforts to improve the efficiency of the Lifeline program and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is working with some other groups to check if people in Nevada can get help paying for phone and internet. They want to make sure the right people are getting help and stop any sneaky stuff.

  • 2025-01388 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
    Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 7138
    Reading Time:about 2 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting public comments on a proposed information collection effort aimed at reducing paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They seek feedback on the necessity and utility of the information collection, the accuracy of burden estimates, and ways to minimize the impact on small businesses. Prepaid calling card service providers are required to report on their access charges and certify their contributions to the Universal Service Fund. Comments should be submitted by March 24, 2025.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC (a group that helps decide how we use things like phones and the internet) is asking people to share their ideas on how to collect information better, especially to make it easier for small businesses to answer questions they need for phone card services. They want to make sure this is done in a way that’s helpful and not too hard for people to do.