The Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025 directs the Federal Communications Commission to reform how the Universal Service Fund—which subsidizes broadband access in high-cost areas—is funded. Currently, broadband providers bear most of the financial burden; this bill would require large tech companies (called "edge providers" like Google, Amazon, Netflix, and social media platforms) to also contribute to the fund on an equitable basis. The bill exempts smaller edge providers that transmit less than 3 percent of U.S. broadband data or earn less than $5 billion annually, as well as any provider whose contribution would be negligible. The FCC has 18 months to complete rulemakings establishing these new contribution requirements and to create a separate funding mechanism ensuring broadband providers in high-cost rural areas receive sufficient, predictable support for offering affordable service. The bill is intended to spread the cost of universal broadband access more broadly while lowering the financial burden on consumers.
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