OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 3, 2010
The Honorable Bill Nelson
United States Senate
716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Nelson:
Thank you for your letter regarding the contribution methodology for the universal
service fund (USF). Specifically, you urge the Commission to take immediate action to fix the
method for contributing to the USF in a manner that creates equity and sustains the availability
offunding.
The USF is among the most powerful tools for ensuring the availability of affordable
voice service and enabling the widespread deployment ofhigh-speed broadband networks
throughout the country. The Commission has a tough job ahead ofit to make sure that the USF
accomplishes the mandate set out by Congress ofbeing specific, predictable, and sufficient,
while sustainable and strong enough to support the advanced technologies that will keep the
United States competitive in the global economy. Central to this enterprise is the tenet that
telecommunications providers should contribute to the fund on an equitable and
nondiscriminatory basis.
The Commission is actively considering comprehensive reform ofthe USF, including
examining the methodology for assessing contributions. The Commission has released a series
ofPublic Notices seeking comment on various aspects ofthe USF as part ofits proceeding to
develop a national broadband plan. Please be assured that the Commission will consider
carefully innovative methods for equitably assessing contributions to the USF that ensure its
sustainability.
I appreciate your sharing your thoughts with me on this critically important issue. I look
forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with you on these matters.