Keeping Americans Connected with Broadband Built to Last

The idea that all Americans should have reliable access to communications services at a reasonable cost has been a national objective for over a century. Today, the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) helps rural Americans connect to high-quality, affordable broadband and supports critical connections for low-income families, schools, libraries and healthcare facilities in rural communities.

Without USF support, it is difficult to make a business case to invest in many rural areas, to sustain networks once they are built, or to keep service rates affordable. According to an August 2024 survey of more than 200 community-based broadband providers across 35 states, the loss of USF support could be catastrophic for rural consumers, efforts to keep investing in broadband deployment, and the viability of existing rural broadband networks.

Respondents reported that rural consumers could see their bills increase by $72 per month if USF support were eliminated. In addition, 68% of respondents said they could face the need to cancel deployment projects next year equaling over $1 billion, representing nearly 80% of these companies’ planned broadband investments for 2025.

Even as new broadband deployment programs offer great promise for reaching unserved areas, the USF remains critical to both getting and keeping rural consumers connected to high-quality, affordable services.

Visit NTCA's YouTube Page to learn more about how USF helps rural Americans get and stay connected >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDMgMq3YAPU

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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is building a better broadband future for rural America. Proudly representing about 850 independent, family-owned and community-based telecommunications companies, NTCA helps members build and deliver broadband connectivity and operate essential services in rural and small-town communities across the U.S.

NTCA is committed to advancing policies to help connect communities across rural America and advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas and provides educational programming, training and development by publishing comprehensive industry research, conducting in person and virtual events and offering an array of employee benefit programs.

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, Duncombe and in the towns of Lohrville, Manson, Rockwell City, Lake City, and Rural Fort Dodge.

WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association.