Congresswoman Matsui Applauds FCC's Announcement Regarding USF Reform
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 27, 2011
CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Applauds FCC's Announcement Regarding USF Reform
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) newly announced plan for Universal Service Fund (USF) reform:
I applaud the FCC's efforts to ensure that all Americans have access to broadband services. While meaningful reforms are never easy, the FCC's Order opens the door for greater efficiency and transparency in the Universal Service Fund, and will help ensure it will properly serve all Americans as we move further into a Digital Age. The Order also reaffirms the FCC's commitment to restrain any uncontrolled growth of the High Cost Fund to ensure adequate funding is available other critical USF functions.
I am particularly pleased that the FCC today confirmed its strong commitment to ensure broadband adoption is part of USF reform efforts moving forward. The fact remains that 95 percent of U.S. households have access to broadband services today, yet only about 67 percent actually subscribe. In today's economy, it is imperative that we promote broadband adoption policies that spur broadband adoption rates in both urban and rural communities across the nation so that more and more Americans are able to access the tools they need to compete and succeed in today's high tech world.
I am also pleased that the FCC recognized the unique and critical role that America's anchor institutions play in our communities. Many Americans, particularly in the current economic downturn, are being forced to travel miles to their nearest anchor institutions schools, libraries and community centers just to access a computer. We need to make sure that we provide anchor institutions with high-capacity broadband, as it is essential to increasing educational opportunities, job training opportunities, telemedicine, and economic growth throughout the U.S.
As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Subcommittee on Communications andamp; Technology, Congresswoman Matsui has been a vocal advocate for USF reforms that will increase broadband adoption rates for underserved Americans. She has written two recent letters to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in regards to USF reform. Congresswoman Matsui's first letter about the importance of affordable universal broadband adoption can be read here; an additional letter highlighting the benefits and need for continued support of anchor institutions, can be read here.
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