Millions of Americans Could Lose Internet Access, New Coalition Urges Congressional Action
Washington, D.C. — Millions of Americans could lose access to telephone and internet service this summer if Congress does not act to preserve the Universal Service Fund (USF). The future of USF is in doubt because a recent ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found aspects of the USF funding mechanism to be unconstitutional.
Today, a new coalition — the Keep America Connected Coalition — is launching to urge Congress to pass legislation that will preserve the Universal Service Fund in the event of a negative decision from the U.S. Supreme Court.
For nearly three decades, the USF has ensured all Americans — regardless of where they live — can access baseline phone and internet services. Through its four programs, USF extends reliable broadband access to rural and remote communities, ensures essential communication services for income-eligible consumers, and connects schools, libraries, and healthcare providers to high-speed internet.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to review the Fifth Circuit’s ruling this spring. If it upholds the lower court’s decision, USF could cease to operate as soon as this summer — disconnecting rural communities, low-income Americans, and hospitals, schools, and libraries nationwide from essential communication services.
The Keep America Connected Coalition brings together telecommunications providers and organizations representing USF beneficiaries to urge Congress to provide a legislative solution that remedies the issues raised by the Fifth Circuit and preserves USF.
Founding members of the Keep America Connected Coalition include Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), The Internet & Television Association (NCTA), and GCI Communications Corp (GCI).
What’s at Stake?
- Access to Essential Services: The USF supports over 54 million students, 11,000 rural healthcare providers, and 133,000 schools and libraries nationwide.
- Rural Broadband Expansion: The program is vital to rural and remote communities, where broadband infrastructure is costly to deploy.
- Economic Stability: Small telecommunications providers rely on USF funding, and without it, thousands of businesses could face financial ruin, halting broadband expansion projects and defaulting on government-backed loans.
“Small and regional wireless providers rely on the Universal Service Fund to bring connectivity to rural and remote communities nationwide. If this funding disappears, so will critical projects to preserve and expand connectivity across the country. Congress must act swiftly to protect Americans who depend on these networks, including for 9-1-1 and emergency services,” said Tim Donovan, President and CEO, CCA.
“The Universal Service Fund plays a critical role in ensuring that rural, remote, and underserved communities across the United States have access to telehealth, education, and basic communication services,” said Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association. “We urge policymakers to come together and reinforce Congress’ commitment to meeting the needs of millions of Americans who depend on USF programs.”
“The Universal Service Fund has long been a cornerstone of America’s telecommunications policy, ensuring that all Americans — rural and urban alike — stay connected. While the program faces legitimate challenges, an abrupt cutoff due to a Supreme Court ruling would cause chaos, disrupting broadband expansion, student learning, telemedicine, and critical communications infrastructure. That’s why I’m working with the Keep America Connected coalition to push for a narrow stop-gap measure from Congress that prevents immediate harm while allowing lawmakers to pursue broader, long-term reforms, if appropriate,” said Mike O’Rielly, former FCC Commissioner and advisor to the Keep America Connected Coalition.
For more information, visit KeepAmericaConnectedCoalition.org and follow the Keep America Connected Coalition on X and LinkedIn. Download a nationwide fact sheet here.
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