Bills · S 1651
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1651Rural conditions and developmentBroadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 7· LAST ACTION MAY 7
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
6BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue with how we fund essential communication services. For decades, the Universal Service Fund (USF) has been paid for primarily by surcharges on phone bills, even as most communication has shifted from phone calls to internet use. This system places a disproportionate burden on landline customers and an outdated funding base for a fund that increasingly supports broadband access.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to fairer distribution of the costs for ensuring everyone has access to broadband, potentially lowering the USF fees currently seen on phone bills. It could also secure more stable funding for expanding broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, which is crucial for economic development, education, and healthcare in those communities. If it doesn't pass, the current system will continue, likely leading to ongoing debates about the fairness and sustainability of the USF funding mechanism as traditional phone service declines.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the FCC to expand who contributes to the Universal Service Fund (USF) to include broadband internet service providers and large online content/service companies ("edge providers").
This shifts the financial responsibility for the USF beyond traditional phone customers to a broader base of companies that benefit from the internet.
PROVISION 02
Sets an 18-month deadline for the FCC to complete a rulemaking process to implement the expanded contribution rules for the Universal Service Fund.
This establishes a clear timeline for the FCC to act and modernize the funding mechanism for essential communication services.
PROVISION 03
Exempts certain smaller "edge providers" (those transmitting less than 3% of U.S. broadband data AND earning less than $5 billion in U.S. revenue) and providers whose contributions would be very small.
This provision aims to protect smaller companies from undue financial burden while ensuring major players contribute.
PROVISION 04
Directs the FCC to create a new, consistent funding mechanism within the Universal Service Fund's high-cost program to support broadband providers operating in expensive-to-serve areas.
This aims to ensure reliable financial support for building and maintaining broadband infrastructure in rural and remote regions where it might otherwise be unprofitable.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 7
Introduced in Senate
MAY 7
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1651
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 7, 2025
Last actionMay 7, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 7, 2025
Senate BillS 1651Rural conditions and developmentBroadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAY 7, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 7, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
