Connected Nation’s statement on the Fifth Circuit ruling that the Universal Service Fund is unconstitutional

Washington, DC (July 30, 2024) – Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO of Connected Nation (CN), issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s ruling on the legality of the Universal Service Fund in its current form:

“Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. For nearly 25 years, Connected Nation has been inspired and dedicated to empowering individuals and communities across America by providing innovative solutions that expand the access, adoption, and use of high-speed internet and its related technologies. While the Digital Divide can present in many forms and contexts, one of the most formidable over the last three decades has been providing physical access to broadband service, particularly in our country's most rural and disadvantaged areas. 

“Last week, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the Universal Service Fund (USF), as currently administered, is unconstitutional. The USF provides the critical funding source for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC)  high-cost and low-income broadband programs that currently impact tens of millions of our fellow Americans. In addition, the USF provides critical connections to many of our nation’s schools, libraries, and rural health care facilities. This decision will spur strong debate and deliberation from industry, government, and stakeholder groups like ours. Although it is still unclear how or when this decision will begin to impact individuals and communities,  Connected Nation, urges all parties to not lose sight of the importance of a broadband connection for equity in delivering digital opportunity in today’s world.”

# # #

About Us: Connected Nation is a national nonprofit founded in 2001 with a mission to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.