Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021

12/30/2022, 2:34 AM

Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make changes to the financing of the Universal Service Fund. This fund, which is financed by fees contributed by telecommunications carriers, supports programs to expand the availability of and access to telecommunications services.

Specifically, the bill directs the FCC to (1) study the need for expanding the fund's contribution base to ensure fairness and equity in applicable contribution requirements, and (2) reform the fund's contribution system through rulemaking. In carrying out the rulemaking, the FCC must consider the findings and recommendations of its study and the impact of changes on consumers, businesses, and seniors.

Congress
117

Number
S - 3236

Introduced on
2021-11-18

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

11/18/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make changes to the financing of the Universal Service Fund. This fund, which is financed by fees contributed by telecommunications carriers, supports programs to expand the availability of and access to telecommunications services.

Specifically, the bill directs the FCC to (1) study the need for expanding the fund's contribution base to ensure fairness and equity in applicable contribution requirements, and (2) reform the fund's contribution system through rulemaking. In carrying out the rulemaking, the FCC must consider the findings and recommendations of its study and the impact of changes on consumers, businesses, and seniors.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to reform the contribution system of the Universal Service Fund, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact
International Affairs

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/8/2022

Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make changes to the financing of the Universal Service Fund. This fund, which is financed by fees contributed b...


Latest Action11/18/2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.