Universal Service Fund (USF)

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a program in the United States designed to ensure that all citizens have access to essential telecommunications services, regardless of their location or financial status. It collects fees from telecommunications providers and redistributes those funds to support initiatives like providing affordable phone and internet services in rural areas, assisting low-income families, and enhancing educational and healthcare connectivity. The goal of the USF is to promote equal access to communication technologies, helping bridge the digital divide and fostering inclusion in the digital economy.