Big Win for Rural Internet

Nearly a year after the Fifth Circuit US Court of Appeals deemed the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) unconstitutional, the US Supreme Court has overturned the decision by a 6-3 vote to uphold the legality of the program. The USF was enacted by the FCC 30 years ago as part of the Communications Act of 1996 and it ensures internet and telephone access in rural and low-income areas, including households, schools, and libraries. Some lawmakers had referenced the nondelegation doctrine in opposing the FCC’s creation of this fund, defining it as an unconstitutional “tax.” The US Supreme Court majority decided against this ruling, stating that it did not violate the nondelegation doctrine. This decision marks a victory for rural internet providers and customers alike, maintaining access to services within these areas at an affordable cost.