Motion for Extension of Time to the FCC on the Report on the Future of the Universal Service Fund

Motion for Extension of Time to the FCC on the Report on the Future of the Universal Service Fund

Motion for Extension of Time to the FCC on the Report on the Future of the Universal Service Fund

Public Knowledge and a broad range of public interest and industry stakeholders requested that the FCC extend the comment and reply comment deadlines of its recent Notice of Inquiry, In the Matter of Report on the Future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). The FCC released its NOI on Dec. 15, with comments due on January 18th and replies due on January 31st. This is not enough time to address the complex issues presented in the NOI. The FCC is seeking comments on how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will impact USF programs. The IIJA provides for the largest allocation of funds for broadband infrastructure in American history. The impact these funds will have on the FCC’s legacy USF programs requires careful analysis and consideration. Given the end-of-year holidays and the significant number of other active FCC proceedings, stakeholders are unlikely to have the time they need to provide the FCC with a complete record. This is why we requested that the FCC extend its commenting deadline to February 17 and reply comment date to March 17.