Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025

This bill, known as the "Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025," directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reform the Universal Service Fund (USF) by expanding its contribution base. Within 18 months, the FCC must complete a rulemaking to require contributions from broadband providers and certain edge providers . These edge providers encompass a wide range of online content and service providers, including digital advertising, search engines, social media platforms, and streaming services. The primary goal of this expansion is to ensure equitable and nondiscriminatory funding for universal service mechanisms, thereby reducing the financial burden on consumers. However, the requirement to contribute will not apply to smaller edge providers that meet specific criteria regarding transmitted data and revenue, nor to any provider whose contribution would be considered de minimis. The bill also mandates the FCC to establish a new mechanism within the USF's high-cost program to provide specific, predictable, and sufficient support for eligible telecommunications carriers offering services in high-cost areas, ensuring only one such carrier receives support per area.