Cramer Statement on FCC Decision to Move Forward on USF Changes

Press Release

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Today Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement on the news Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler is moving forward with key changes to the Universal Service Fund (USF) supported by North Dakota rural telecommunications providers:

"I am pleased to see the new FCC Chairman recognizing the need for modernizing the Universal Service Fund, and grateful for his responsiveness to a letter I sent along with my colleagues. Rural broadband customers in North Dakota will benefit from smarter USF rules, which would do a better job providing incentives for broadband deployment and encouraging investment."

Wheeler told the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday he directed his staff to plan for the elimination of monetary caps which cause unpredictable distribution of USF funds. In October, Cramer sent a letter with colleagues to then-FCC Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn requesting the change and describing the benefits to broadband infrastructure it would create.

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