Supreme Court Upholds USF Contribution Methodology
In a 6-3 decision on June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the federal universal service program’s contribution mechanism.
Senate Voted to Repeal E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspots Order
On May 8, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted along party lines to repeal the E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspots Order.
FCC Provides Guidance to USAC on E-Rate Competitive Bidding Rules for Hotspot Equipment and Services
On December 20, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission directed USAC not to apply the Kalamazoo Reconsideration Order precedent to requests for Wi-Fi hotspots and/or the services and to find a competitive bidding violation if the applicant relies on a previously signed contract.
FCC Reminds ISPs of Broadband Label Display Deadline
On December 19, 2024, the Commission released a public notice reminding broadband internet service providers to display accurate broadband consumer labels for both wireless and wired retail standalone broadband services, at all points of sale in compliance with the Broadband Label Order.
E-Rate FY2025 Filing Window Opens January 15, Closes March 26
On December 16, 2023, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) announced that the application filing window for Funding Year 2024 FCC Form 471 will open January 15, 2025, at noon ET and will close on March 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Commissioner Carr Named New FCC Chair; Rosenworcel to Step Down in January
President-elect Trump has selected Commissioner Brendan Carr to serve as the next FCC chairman. On November 21, 2024, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that she will leave the FCC on January 20, 2025.
FCC Releases New RHC Telecom Invoicing Form
On October 15, 2024, the Bureau announced that it released a new invoicing form for the Rural Healthcare Telecommunications Program: the FCC Form 469, Description of Invoice and Request for Disbursement. Service providers will initiate the invoice process by submitting the Form 469 in RHC Connect, after each month of service or at the end of the funding year for all services provided during the funding year. USAC is offering trainings on how to use the new form and process.
