Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 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.