Congress upholds existing USF rules.(News)

RCR Wireless News, November, 2005

Byline: HEATHER FORSGREN WEAVER Since the digital TV transition issue put universal-service reform on the back burner, lawmakers recently agreed to extend for another year efforts by the Federal Communications Commission to limit telephone subsidies to a person's primary line. This means wireless carriers, which often stand as a customers second telephone line, can continue to receive federal subsidies.

The ban was passed as Congress met to work out differences in the FCC's spending bill. In addition, lawmakers said that the universal-service fund could not be subject to the Anti-Deficiency Act, which many feared would put support in jeopardy. Lawmakers passed similar provisions last year on a one-year basis, with many members hoping to fix...

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