The USF helps to ensure telecommunications and broadband services are available and affordable for all Americans, supporting critical access for schools, libraries, rural health care, low-income households and rural high-cost areas. Without the USF, it is difficult to make a business case to invest in many rural areas, to sustain networks once they are built, or to keep service rates affordable.
NTCA, Cartesian Release New Report on the Business Case for USF
NTCA - March 11, 2026 - As the FCC and Congress assess potential updates to the federal Universal Service Fund (USF), NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association partnered with global consulting firm Cartesian to release a new report to highlight the critical role the USF plays in sustaining rural connectivity and ensuring affordable broadband and voice service in rural communities that otherwise lack a business case for investment.
