AT&T's Gillespie Urges Congress to Revamp USF to Fund Broadband Expansion

Create a more secure USF funding source and modernize Lifeline and the FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, AT&T Senior Executive Vice President-External and Legislative Affairs Ed Gillespie asked of Congress Monday. He claimed "growing bipartisan support for significant broadband infrastructure funding that will at last create universal 21st century connectivity the same way highway funding created universal 20th century transportation networks." COVID-19 "revealed just how many low-income households currently have inadequate connections," he blogged: "Lifeline should be revamped and modernized so eligible households can secure benefits from certified communications providers as easily" as they use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits at certified food stores. Gillespie suggested USF financial support "should be included directly as a line item in the FCC’s annual budget so Congress can adjust that budget as economic circumstances in the country dictate."