In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Mike Romano, Executive Vice President of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, to delve into the complexities and future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). They explore the historical roots of the USF, which was established to ensure high-quality telephone service in rural areas by redistributing profits from urban areas, and how it has evolved to support modern broadband needs.

The conversation highlights the urgent need for USF reform, especially as it currently relies on dwindling legacy telecom services for funding. They discuss the late Affordable Connectivity Program's role as a critical but temporary solution to affordable internet access, emphasizing the challenges posed by its dependency on annual congressional appropriations. Mike underscores the importance of creating a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism for both programs to prevent service disruptions and ensure long-term connectivity in rural communities.

Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of funding mechanisms, the potential impacts of court rulings on USF contributions, and the broader implications for rural broadband infrastructure and investment.

This show is 36 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Mike Romano, Executive Vice President of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, to delve into the complexities and future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). They explore the historical roots of the USF, which was established to ensure high-quality telephone service in rural areas by redistributing profits from urban areas, and how it has evolved to support modern broadband needs.

The conversation highlights the urgent need for USF reform, especially as it currently relies on dwindling legacy telecom services for funding. They discuss the late Affordable Connectivity Program's role as a critical but temporary solution to affordable internet access, emphasizing the challenges posed by its dependency on annual congressional appropriations. Mike underscores the importance of creating a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism for both programs to prevent service disruptions and ensure long-term connectivity in rural communities.

Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of funding mechanisms, the potential impacts of court rulings on USF contributions, and the broader implications for rural broadband infrastructure and investment.

This show is 36 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Mike Romano, Executive Vice President of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, to delve into the complexities and future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). They explore the historical roots of the USF, which was established to ensure high-quality telephone service in rural areas by redistributing profits from urban areas, and how it has evolved to support modern broadband needs.

The conversation highlights the urgent need for USF reform, especially as it currently relies on dwindling legacy telecom services for funding. They discuss the late Affordable Connectivity Program's role as a critical but temporary solution to affordable internet access, emphasizing the challenges posed by its dependency on annual congressional appropriations. Mike underscores the importance of creating a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism for both programs to prevent service disruptions and ensure long-term connectivity in rural communities.

Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of funding mechanisms, the potential impacts of court rulings on USF contributions, and the broader implications for rural broadband infrastructure and investment.

This show is 36 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Mike Romano, Executive Vice President of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, to delve into the complexities and future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). They explore the historical roots of the USF, which was established to ensure high-quality telephone service in rural areas by redistributing profits from urban areas, and how it has evolved to support modern broadband needs.

The conversation highlights the urgent need for USF reform, especially as it currently relies on dwindling legacy telecom services for funding. They discuss the late Affordable Connectivity Program's role as a critical but temporary solution to affordable internet access, emphasizing the challenges posed by its dependency on annual congressional appropriations. Mike underscores the importance of creating a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism for both programs to prevent service disruptions and ensure long-term connectivity in rural communities.

Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of funding mechanisms, the potential impacts of court rulings on USF contributions, and the broader implications for rural broadband infrastructure and investment.

This show is 36 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Mike Romano, Executive Vice President of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, to delve into the complexities and future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). They explore the historical roots of the USF, which was established to ensure high-quality telephone service in rural areas by redistributing profits from urban areas, and how it has evolved to support modern broadband needs.

The conversation highlights the urgent need for USF reform, especially as it currently relies on dwindling legacy telecom services for funding. They discuss the late Affordable Connectivity Program's role as a critical but temporary solution to affordable internet access, emphasizing the challenges posed by its dependency on annual congressional appropriations. Mike underscores the importance of creating a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism for both programs to prevent service disruptions and ensure long-term connectivity in rural communities.

Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of funding mechanisms, the potential impacts of court rulings on USF contributions, and the broader implications for rural broadband infrastructure and investment.

This show is 36 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license