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Study on Internet Funding: Should Tech Giants Pay for Universal Service?

This Act requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund (USF), which supports internet access for schools, libraries, and low-income individuals, through contributions from large online content providers (edge providers). The goal is to assess whether shifting this financial burden from traditional telecommunications bills to tech giants could potentially lower monthly internet and phone fees for ordinary citizens. The report must also evaluate the impact of this change on consumers, particularly those with lower incomes.
Key points
The FCC must study the possibility of funding internet access support programs (USF) through contributions from major technology companies (e.g., search engines, streaming platforms).
The primary goal is to assess whether this change could reduce the financial burden on consumers who currently pay for the USF through their phone and internet bills.
The study must analyze how such a change would affect the telecommunications bills of low-income, elderly, and Tribal consumers.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_856
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Process start date: 2023-03-16
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

FAIR Contributions Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_856.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-03-16.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The FCC must study the possibility of funding internet access support programs (USF) through contributions from major technology companies (e.g., search engines, streaming platforms).
  • The primary goal is to assess whether this change could reduce the financial burden on consumers who currently pay for the USF through their phone and internet bills.
  • The study must analyze how such a change would affect the telecommunications bills of low-income, elderly, and Tribal consumers.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Informatization Economy