Highlights from Unanimous FCC Vote to Reform USF/ICC

The Impacts of CAF on Price Cap, Rate of Return, and Mobile Providers

Categorized Under: Community Development

On October 27, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously ordered changes to the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Intercarrier Compensation (ICC) regulations to support next-generation broadband deployment and adoption. This reform drastically transforms ICC rate structures and redirects the billions of dollars in annual USF support, beginning in 2012. The broadband landscape is changing, and understanding the new rules is critical for state regulators, service providers, and equipment providers.

In this article, ICF expert Michael Spead analyzes the impacts of the FCC’s order and the new risks and opportunities it presents for:

Price cap carriers
Rate of return carriers
Mobile providers
Competitors

Learn more about other information developed by Mr. Spead on USF/ICC reform.

Related Market + Service Offerings

Broadband + Telecommunications

Authored By

Michael Spead
Senior Technical SpecialistICF International

Michael Spead, former senior program manager at the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), has more than 10 years of experience in broadband/telecommunications program and project management, policy analysis and regulatory compliance, business process engineering, and financial analysis. Mr. Spead leverages his understanding of the broadband/telecommunications ecosystem to develop successful programs and projects to support state, local, and commercial entities, and he monitors changes in broadband/telecommunications policy to provide technical advisory services for clients. At USAC, Mr. Spead also served as an ambassador for a nationwide outreach initiative with telecommunications firms to build relationships, train industry leaders, and address issues relating to the Universal Service Fund (USF).