‘Lifeline’ for Broadband May Become Reality

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Federal regulators may soon make broadband available at half the cost of basic DSL or cable modem service for low-income and rural customers.

In a stunning announcement at the annual U.S. Telecom conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission board member Kathleen Abernathy said that broadband deployments may qualify for support from the universal service fund (USF), which was originally designed to keep the price of basic telephone service affordable throughout the country through “lifeline” programs.

Abernathy said that existing federal law “lends itself to being capable of sustaining broadband. So at a certain point, broadband would qualify for USF support.”

With a universal “lifeline” program set in place, broadband use in the United States could nearly double, experts say.

More than 7.4 million customers signed up last year for broadband services, bringing the total subscribers to nearly 25 million, according to market tracker Leichtman Research Group of Durham, N.H.

The United States currently ranks 11th among major countries in broadband penetration, according to an FCC report released last month.

Abernathy was joined at the conference with commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Kevin Martin, along with Michael Gallagher, director of the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Gallagher said his agency next year will launch a push into universal service fund eligibility for broadband, on top of the scrutiny that Congress and the FCC already are giving to the universal service system, which was mandated by 1996 federal legislation.

The FCC board members said the Bush administration is actively exploring ways to foster the development of broadband over power lines (BPL) as part of the president’s call for universal broadband availability by 2007.

Meanwhile, the FCC on Thursday adopted rules to facilitate deployment of BPL by addressing potential interference issues.

The FCC issued rules to avoid interference with public safety providers and licensed radio users. BPL will be excluded from some frequency bands and providers must notify safety authorities prior to deployment, according to the rules.

The rules address concerns about a technology which could help expand broadband to some rural areas and inner cities that aren't wired.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More