Just What The USF Needs -- More Money
from the you-want-some-more?!?! dept
With the excesses and abuses of the Universal Service Fund so well documented, it's rather surprising to find anyone who still believes in it (well, other than politicians and the companies that benefit from it, that is). Some are still out there though, and think the flawed system needs expansion. Computerworld editor Preston Gralla writes in support of a new proposal out of Congress that would add a federal tax to broadband bills for the purpose of helping to build out rural broadband. Gralla argues that the tax needs to be put in place to make up for diminishing revenue on long-distance taxes. But there are also state taxes on mobile-phone use, and as it is the USF already has way too much money. The main beneficiaries of this money aren't the rural residents, but rather the operators that rake in an exorbitant amount to provide rural service. If the USF actually had a track of delivering on its goals, that would be one thing. Then we'd be left debating the merits of government-subsidized rural broadband, and whether people who live in rural areas have any reason to expect the same services afforded to city dwellers. Unfortunately, the USF doesn't accomplish what it sets out to, because it's so poorly managed, which should make anyone hesitant to throw more money at it. If politicians insist on subsidizing rural broadband, then here's a better idea: why not force the companies that are raking in $13,000 per year per customer to spend some of that money on building out internet access? Surely they have some money left over after the cost of providing phone service.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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That would be logical and fair, but then the telcos wouldn't be able to afford their lobbyists and the mil+/yr salaries of their execs.
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Just What The USF Needs -- More Money
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Re: Just What The USF Needs -- More Money
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USF? Ask whether we need it!
I live in Wyoming (arguably the most rural state in the lower 48!) and we generally have broadband in every community.
Besides the wide availability of cable internet services, there are several regional ISPs that are investing heavily in providing broadband throughout the state. One is my ISP. Cellular broadband is also starting to spread. I can have Verizon EVDO if I choose.
I would like to think that this tax money would end up in the hands of one of these independent ISP's that is actually trying to expand broadband access, but I doubt it. Somehow, I think the $$$ will stay in the pockets of the big boys. Fooey on this idea!
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Build out requirements
So what the point of the USF, I thought that companies could use the USF funds to satisfy their build out needs. However, since the requirement is removed, how are their needs going to be defined now, stockholders? And do they still get to rape the USF fund? What about stick issue of "right of way" which I thought was the trade-off to "build out" requirements?
When you get right down to it, we're not getting what we paid for, with regards to our broad-band, phone, cable, and USF costs.
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ADSL2+
Cable is OK, and gives the chance of pirateing TV, but there is the problem of having to share with too many people.
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Require USF Recipients to Provide Broadband Upgrad
For more information regarding high speed Internet issues and proposals check out the Speed Matters Campaign.
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I'm severely rural
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