The FCC is using a ‘hoax’ argument that the Universal Service Fun...
The FCC is using a “hoax” argument that the Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution process is broken to justify fee hikes, a citizen group charged Fri. The USF contribution formula “requires at most minor adjustments that can be accomplished…
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without hefty increases in federal phone fees,” the Keep USF Fair Coalition said. The group opposes FCC Chmn. Martin’s proposal to move from a long distance revenue- based system to one based on how many telephone numbers a carrier serves, claiming it would penalize low-volume long distance callers. At a news event set for today (Mon.), the group will discuss “the phony USF funding crisis.” A Tues. Senate hearing will address USF contribution methodology. Progress & Freedom Foundation Pres. Ray Gifford said the coalition’s view “is contrary to established fact.” The long distance industry, which is the basis for the current contributions system, “is in decline and it makes no sense as a funding vehicle for universal service in the age of VoIP technology.” A PFF working group has endorsed per-line fees.