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Verizon Supports Universal Service Reform Legislation
November 17, 2009Verizon signaled its support Tuesday (Nov. 17) of legislation to reform the universal service communications subsidy program. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Rick Boucher, chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Rep. Lee Terry. "Today we endorse the Boucher-Terry legislation because we believe it embraces policies to reform and sustain the [Universal Service] Fund, and directs funds to meet the true communications needs of consumers," said Peter Davidson, Verizon senior vice president of federal government relations. "We will continue to work with the sponsors and this committee to ensure the legislation accomplishes the objectives of modernizing the Universal Service program so that it meets the needs of Americans in the 21st century." Davidson said the draft Universal Service Reform Act "takes us a big step toward addressing five of the most pressing matters: An overall budget for the high-cost fund; a new contribution methodology; competitive bidding for wireless support; a date certain for related reform of intercarrier compensation; and an end to traffic pumping." Full release.