FCC Universal Service Fund

The FCC Universal Service Fund (USF) is a government program that helps ensure affordable access to communication services—like phone lines and internet—across the United States, including rural and low-income areas. Funded by fees collected from telecommunications companies, it supports programs like Lifeline (discounted phone service), school and health clinic internet access, and rural broadband expansion. The goal is to promote fairness and equal opportunity for everyone to stay connected, regardless of location or income, by subsidizing the infrastructure and services needed for universal communication access.