Friday, December 08, 2006

Revisiting the USF in Texas

The East Texas Review:
In a draft report commissioned by the Legislature, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) recommends re-examining the size and scope of TUSF, which currently provides over $500 million in subsidies to local phone companies, like AT&T and Verizon, to serve rural or high-cost areas in the state.

What is the universal service fund?

The Universal Service Fund was established more than a decade ago to ensure universal and affordable basic phone service in the state. Several programs are aimed at subsidizing phone service to individuals with low-incomes and disabilities.