FCC Switching 'Universal|Service' to Broadband

WASHINGTON (CN) – The Federal Communications Commission has requested extensive input on plans to repurpose the universal service plan for voice services, to cover broadband services.     The universal service plan charged customers for a fund that has helped to pay for phone service for those who cannot afford it.     The FCC has delivered a National Broadband Plan to Congress, recommending that the agency adopt cost-cutting measures for existing voice support and create a Connect America Fund, without increasing the overall size of the fund, to support the provision of broadband communications in areas that would be unserved without such support or that depend on universal service support for the maintenance of existing broadband service.     Click the document icon for this regulation and others.