JSI Submits Comments to Congressional Universal Service Fund Working Group

JSI Submits Comments to Congressional Universal Service Fund Working Group

JSI recently submitted comments to the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Universal Service Fund Working Group and assisted multiple companies in preparing their individual submissions. The Working Group, led by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in the Senate along with House Communications and Technology Subcommittee leadership Chairman Hudson (R-KY) and Ranking Member Matsui (D-CA), was established to evaluate and propose potential USF reforms to ensure continued connectivity for Americans and bridge the digital divide.

In our September 15, 2025 submission, JSI highlighted the urgent need for Congressional action to address the USF’s contribution mechanism crisis, as the proposed fourth quarter 2025 contribution factor has been set at 38.1%. Our recommendation to Congress: pass legislation directing the FCC to establish a contribution mechanism that collects funds from all providers that benefit from the universal service network, noting that this approach is economically justified since all voice and broadband providers benefit from network effects and increased utility.

As the Congressional Working Group continues evaluating potential USF reforms, JSI remains committed to ensuring that provider perspectives are heard in Washington. We encourage clients to stay engaged in future policy discussions and to reach out when additional comment opportunities arise. For assistance with regulatory filings, policy analysis, or to discuss how potential USF reforms might affect your operations, please contact Douglas Meredith, John Kuykendall, Dounia Chikhoune,  or Brett Hallagan.