UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND - HIGH COST

Objective

Universal service has been defined by Congress as “an evolving level of telecommunications services . . . taking into account advances in telecommunications and information technologies and services.” 47 U.S.C. 254(c). Universal service support generally is distributed only to eligible telecommunications carriers and must be used “only for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended.” 47 U.S.C. 254(e). In addition, policies for the advancement and preservation of universal service must be based on certain principles established by Congress. See 47 U.S.C. 254(b). Consistent with these statutory provisions, the FCC has established the Universal Service Fund, which disburses support for the provision of telecommunications services, as well as other services and facilities (including broadband) for high-cost areas, schools and libraries, rural health care providers, and low-income consumers.

Who Can Apply

• Profit organization
• Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals)

Applicants must be an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC). Wireless and wireline carriers that are ETCs and that comply with requirements established by the FCC for the High Cost Program.

Who Benefits

• Individual/Family
• Anyone/general public

Beneficiaries are broadband and voice customers located in high cost areas. The USF Administrator maintains the Connect America Fund Map (https://data.usac.org/publicreports/caf-map/) which illustrates whether a location is in an eligible area or not, as well as reported deployed locations.

Assistance Types

• Direct Payments for Specified Use

Program Contact

alexander.minard@fcc.gov
2024187400