The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case that could affect internet and phone service access for rural communities in Illinois and nationwide. Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a bipartisan effort to urge the court to maintain a fund supporting these services.
The Universal Service Fund (USF) was established by Congress in 1996 to promote infrastructure for communication services, including internet and phone service, in rural areas, schools, and low-income communities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocates resources through the USF to make it financially feasible for telecommunications companies to offer affordable services in these regions.
In an amicus brief, Raoul and other state officials argue that the USF has been essential in achieving Congress's goals and urge the Supreme Court not to declare the federal law establishing it unconstitutional.
"Access to internet and phone services are crucial for the economic security and well-being of rural communities in Illinois," Raoul stated. "Disparities in access to internet connectivity exacerbate existing gaps in educational and health outcomes along lines of geography, economic resources, and race. I urge the Supreme Court to reverse the lower court’s ruling and ensure that all Americans have access to vital telecommunications resources."
Plaintiffs claim that the federal statute establishing the USF gave excessive power to the FCC by allowing it to task a separate not-for-profit corporation with setting fees for telecommunications companies. While courts have consistently rejected such claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the statute is unconstitutional.
Raoul and his coalition emphasize that administering this fund has been cost-effective for participants while providing rural areas with telephone, internet, education, and health benefits similar to those available in urban regions. Programs like High Cost support telephone and internet service at reasonable rates in rural Illinois areas. Lifeline programs also assist low-income residents with low-cost telephone and internet services while supporting rural education and healthcare initiatives.
Joining Raoul are attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York North Carolina Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Dakota Vermont Wisconsin Wyoming.