Support Rural Broadband Access. Modernize Universal Service Fund and Function

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to take immediate action to modernize the Universal Service Fund (USF)that is falling victim to mismanagement by the venal and incompetent political hacks leading the FCC. Reports and testimony have underscored the vital importance of this program for maintaining connectivity in our rural communities. Action must be taken in order to ensure the continued affordability and sustainability of rural broadband networks. As recent testimony before the House Committee on Small Business has highlighted, the USF is not just crucial for network construction, but also for ongoing operations, maintenance, and necessary upgrades in small towns and rural areas. Karen Jackson-Furman, CEO of West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative, emphasized during her testimony that for rural co-ops like WK&T, the USF is often "the difference between operating and not operating." The expansion of reliable broadband access is essential for revitalizing rural small businesses and fostering economic growth in these areas. However, current challenges such as permitting delays and flawed federal mapping are hindering progress. Additionally, recent changes to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program have reduced the emphasis on fiber technology, potentially limiting the long-term effectiveness of rural broadband. Trade groups support USF, and some even have advertising about how great they are at reaching rural areas. But… By ensuring that the fund is adequately resourced and efficiently allocated, we can support the ongoing viability of rural broadband networks. This, in turn, will help bridge the digital divide, stimulate local economies, and provide rural residents with the same opportunities for education, healthcare, and business development as their urban counterparts. I urge you to prioritize this issue in Congress. The time to act is now – our rural small businesses and residents are counting on your leadership to ensure they are not left behind in the digital age. Thank you.