New Analysis Indicates Reforming Universal Service Contributions Would Not Harm Broadband Adoption

As national attention increasingly turns to improving connectivity in rural America, a paper commissioned by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association examines assertions that broadening the base of contributions to the Universal Service Fund (USF), which is essential to promote the availability and affordability of critical communications services, would undermine broadband adoption and retention. 

The analysis, conducted by Michael Williams, Ph.D. and Wei Zhao, Ph.D. of Berkeley Research Group, LLC, explores from an economic perspective the effects of modifying and expanding the “contribution base”—the supply of financial resources for the USF—to include both voice and broadband connections.

Read the full press release.