LOBBYISTS PONDER HOW WELL USF BILLS WOULD FIT TOGETHER

摘要

Universal Service Fund legislation by Reps. Rick Boucher, D-Va., and Lee Terry, D-Neb., could gain urban support by working in provisions of bills introduced by Reps. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Doris Matsui, D-Calif., industry officials said. But some warned that the action could cost the support of current backers of the Boucher-Terry legislation. The Markey and Matsui bills, proposing new E-rate and Lifeline programs to spur broadband adoption, may run counter to the cost-cutting slant of Boucher's bill, they said. All the bills are expected to be discussed in congressional debate on overhauling the USF, said Hill and industry sources. nnMatsui's bill would create a USF Lifeline program for low-income Americans to subsidize broadband service. Markey's would set up three E-rate pilot programs to promote broadband adoption. The Boucher-Terry bill is being written, but Boucher has said it would comprehensively revamp the fund to control costs and expand the revenue base. He boasts support from rural carriers that receive the most from USF, as well as the biggest contributors, AT&T and Verizon. But the large carriers have also expressed interest in taking on low broadband adoption in poor homes, a matter dealt with by the Matsui and Markey bills but not the Boucher-Terry bill.