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Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-1651| Senate 
| Updated: 5/7/2025
Markwayne Mullin

Markwayne Mullin

Republican Senator

Oklahoma

Cosponsors (4)
Kevin Cramer (Republican)Josh Hawley (Republican)Mark Kelly (Democratic)Mike Crapo (Republican)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation 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 **broadband providers** and **edge providers** to contribute on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis. This aims to establish specific, predictable, and sufficient mechanisms for preserving and advancing universal service, ultimately reducing the financial burden on consumers. Edge providers are broadly defined to include online content and service providers such as digital advertising, search engines, social media platforms, streaming services, and cloud computing. However, certain exemptions apply, including for edge providers transmitting less than 3 percent of U.S. broadband data and earning under $5 billion in revenue, or for any provider whose contribution would be de minimis. Furthermore, the bill mandates the FCC to establish a new mechanism under the USF's high-cost program within 18 months. This mechanism will provide specific, predictable, and sufficient support for broadband providers designated as eligible telecommunications carriers operating in high-cost areas. This support is intended to cover expenses not recovered through user rates or other universal service mechanisms, with a limit of one supported carrier per area.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3321
Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023
May 7, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 7, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jun 17, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-4032
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3321
    Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023


  • May 7, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 7, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • June 17, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-4032
    Introduced in House

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Bills

  • HR 119-4032: Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025
Broadcasting, cable, digital technologiesInternet, web applications, social mediaRural conditions and developmentTelephone and wireless communicationUser charges and fees

Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-1651| Senate 
| Updated: 5/7/2025
This legislation 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 **broadband providers** and **edge providers** to contribute on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis. This aims to establish specific, predictable, and sufficient mechanisms for preserving and advancing universal service, ultimately reducing the financial burden on consumers. Edge providers are broadly defined to include online content and service providers such as digital advertising, search engines, social media platforms, streaming services, and cloud computing. However, certain exemptions apply, including for edge providers transmitting less than 3 percent of U.S. broadband data and earning under $5 billion in revenue, or for any provider whose contribution would be de minimis. Furthermore, the bill mandates the FCC to establish a new mechanism under the USF's high-cost program within 18 months. This mechanism will provide specific, predictable, and sufficient support for broadband providers designated as eligible telecommunications carriers operating in high-cost areas. This support is intended to cover expenses not recovered through user rates or other universal service mechanisms, with a limit of one supported carrier per area.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3321
Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023
May 7, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 7, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jun 17, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-4032
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3321
    Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023


  • May 7, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 7, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • June 17, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-4032
    Introduced in House
Markwayne Mullin

Markwayne Mullin

Republican Senator

Oklahoma

Cosponsors (4)
Kevin Cramer (Republican)Josh Hawley (Republican)Mark Kelly (Democratic)Mike Crapo (Republican)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Bills

  • HR 119-4032: Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Broadcasting, cable, digital technologiesInternet, web applications, social mediaRural conditions and developmentTelephone and wireless communicationUser charges and fees