Strengthening Connectivity for All: HTTP Submits Comments to the U.S. Senate’s USF Working Group
HTTP recently submitted comments to the bipartisan U.S. Senate Universal Service Fund (USF) Working Group, outlining recommendations to modernize one of the nation’s most vital connectivity programs and to close the digital divide for underserved communities across America.
The bipartisan Working Group, led by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), requested stakeholder feedback on how Congress can reform and sustain the USF—a cornerstone of America’s digital empowerment framework that helps connect schools, libraries, health care facilities, and low-income households to essential communications services.
Why It Matters
For decades, the USF has served as a lifeline for communities across the country. Programs like Lifeline, E-Rate, Rural Health Care, and High-Cost have ensured that millions of Americans—especially those in rural, low-income, and historically underserved communities—can access affordable communications and broadband. But as today’s economy and technology evolve, the USF must evolve too.
HTTP’s Key Recommendations
HTTP’s comments highlight the need to make the USF more transparent, sustainable, equitable, and capable of meeting modern connectivity needs:
Modernize Lifeline into “Lifeline+.” The current $9.25 monthly subsidy no longer meets the statutory standard of affordability. HTTP calls for a predictable $40 monthly broadband credit, automatically applied to bills and portable across providers—with bilingual billing, no transfer fees, and no forced bundles.
Create a Digital Accountability Scorecard. Congress should direct the FCC and USAC to publish uniform, easy-to-navigate public dashboards tracking affordability, service quality, and equity metrics—so that policymakers and the public can see where funds are going and whether programs are working.
Broaden the USF contribution base. Instead of raising costs for low-income households, HTTP urges policymakers to modernize and broaden the contribution base to reflect today’s broadband-driven marketplace. An innovative and robust foundation would make the fund more stable while also reducing consumers’ costs over time.
Ensure accountability with flexibility. Require milestone-based payments, performance bonds, and alignment between USF, BEAD, and RDOF maps to prevent over- or under-building while still expanding access efficiently.
Expand bilingual access and data coordination. Simplify enrollment and verification through data-matching with programs like SNAP and Medicaid, accept ITINs for mixed-status families, and require bilingual technical support and outreach.
Add a one-time device voucher. To ensure connectivity is truly usable, HTTP recommends a one-time device voucher (up to $100) to help households afford laptops or tablets alongside their broadband service.
The Bigger Picture
HTTP’s comments emphasize that affordable broadband is critical to ensure America’s digital empowerment, workforce participation, and future digital readiness. As Congress considers reforms, aligning the USF with programs like BEAD and integrating digital-empowerment efforts will ensure all communities can fully participate in an increasingly digital economy.
Looking Ahead
HTTP stands ready to work with the Senate Working Group, Congress, and partner organizations to advance modern, sustainable, and equitable broadband policy. Modernizing the USF is not just about funding networks—it’s about connecting people, strengthening opportunity, and ensuring every household can thrive in America’s digital future.
