Join us for insights from Doug Dawson into recent developments—or lack thereof in these critical federal subsidy programs. He brings decades of experience with USF and current market trends.
"Funding sources like grants and the Universal Service Fund are suddenly under fire. The FCC's authority is being challenged on many fronts. Our session will try to make sense out of the many changes and challenges affecting telecom regulation and libraries." - Doug Dawson
In today’s uncertain regulatory environment, how can organizations effectively plan ahead? The ambitious BEAD program has experienced delays, partly because states must create customized plans to qualify—commendable but complex and time-consuming. Is this strategy still practical, or has the political context changed the game?
Similarly, the debate around the Universal Service Fund (USF) is at a critical point. USF is based on the principle of affordable access to essential telecommunications services for everyone, mirroring historical subsidy models like early electrification. But this approach faced hurdles when internet service was separated from telecommunications regulation in the mid-1990s.
A key USF component, the E-rate program, supports discounted connectivity for schools and libraries but has proven insufficient alone, prompting additional programs like BTOP in 2009 and BEAD today.
Join in to get the latest!
Speaker
Doug Dawson
President, CCG Consulting