CommLaw Monitor

News and analysis from Kelley Drye’s communications practice group

Does the Universal Service Fund Need a Cap? A Divided FCC Begins its Inquiry

On Friday, May 31, 2019, the FCC released a much-anticipated notice of proposed rulemaking (“NPRM”) to consider the adoption of an overall budget cap on the Universal Service Fund (“USF”), separate from any individual…

FCC Plans to Eliminate Rural “Rate Floor,” Heading Off Potential Price Hikes

The FCC plans to adopt an order eliminating the controversial rural “ rate floor ” that restricts the amount of Universal Service Fund (“USF”) support received by some carriers to build and maintain networks in…

FCC Sets Stage for Next Spectrum Incentive Auction at April Open Meeting

It’s once again full speed ahead on spectrum and 5G deployment at the FCC, as the agency plans to take action at its next open meeting scheduled for April 12, 2019 on a slew of measures aimed at making additional…

Register for the 10th Annual USF Update Webinar on March 6th

Back for its 10th year, our most popular webinar offers an in-depth discussion on the federal Universal Service Fund for participants in USF programs and for contributors to the Fund. This webinar will address major…

FCC Announces Plan to Create New Fraud Division, But Provides Few Details

On February 4, 2019, the FCC announced a plan to create a new division housed in its Enforcement Bureau, dedicated to prosecuting fraud in the agency’s Universal Service Fund (“USF”) programs. Citing to recent…