On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed into law the Telecommunication Act of 1996. This Act expanded the scope of the existing Universal Service provisions. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service was established in March 1996, to make recommendations to implement the universal service provisions of the Act. This Joint Board is comprised of FCC Commissioners, State Utility Commissioners, and a consumer advocate representative.

Joint Board and Its Members

Releases

2024

  • 5/2/2024
    FCC Adopts Joint Boards Member Appointments Order: The Federal Communications Commission announces member appointments to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Universal Service Joint Board) and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations (Separations Joint Board).
    Word PDF

2022

  • 12/5/2022
    FCC Names Member to Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Order: The FCC appoints the Honorable Burt Cohen, Staff Attorney and Broadband Coordinator for the State of Connecticut, Office of Consumer Counsel, to serve as the State Consumer Advocate representative on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word PDF

2020

  • 12/30/2020
    Members to Federal-State Joint Board Order: FCC Names 3 Members to Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word PDF

2019

  • 2/8/2019
    FCC Joint Boards Appointent Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
    Word PDF

2018

  • 3/14/2017
    FCC Names NY Commissioner Sayre to Joint Board on Universal Service Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Gregg Sayre, Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word PDF

2017

  • 11/13/2017
    Chairman Appoints Commissioner Carr to Universal Service Joint Board Order: Commission appoints the Honorable Brendan Carr, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
    Word PDF
  • 2/7/2017
    Chairman Appoints Commissioner O'Rielly to Universal Service Joint Board Order: Commission appoints the Honorable Michael O’Rielly, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Universal Service Joint Board) and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations (Separations Joint Board).
    Word PDF

2016

2015

  • 9/22/2015
    Talberg USF Joint Board Appointment Order:Appoints the Honorable Sally Talberg, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word PDF

2014

  • 10/17/2014
    Brise USF Joint Board Appointment Order: FCC appoints the Honorable Ronald A. Brisé, Commissioner, Florida Public Service Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word PDF
  • 8/7/2014
    USF Joint Board Contributions Referral Order: FCC requests the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to provide recommendations on how the Commission should modify the universal service contribution methodology.
    Word PDF
  • 7/30/2014
    USF Joint Board Appointment Order: FCC appoints Elin Swanson Katz, Connecticut Consumer Counsel, on behalf of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word PDF
  • 6/3/2014
    ETS Telephone Company (formerly Kingsgate Telephone) Study Area Order: Granted in part and denied in part a petition filed by ETS Telephone Company, Inc.
    Word PDF
  • 2/7/2014
    Joint Board Appointments Order: Appointed the Honorable Stephen Michael Bloom and the Honorable Chris Nelson to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, and the Honorable Sally Talberg to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
    Word PDF

2013

  • 1/31/2013
    New Members to Joint Boards and Joint Conference: The Commission appoints the Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, and the Honorable Ajit Pai, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. Commissioner Rosenworcel shall serve as federal chair of the Universal Service Joint Board.
    Word PDF

2012

  • 4/5/2012
    Joint Board Appointment: The Commission appoints William Levis, Colorado Consumer Counsel, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word PDF
  • 2/2/2012
    Joint Board Appointment: The Commission appoints the Honorable Randy Mitchell, Commissioner of the South Carolina Public Service Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word PDF

2011

  • 2/10/11
    Order: The Honorable Anne C. Boyle, Commissioner, Nebraska Public Service Commission, Appointed to Serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 2/10/11
    Public Notice: On February 17, 2011, State Members of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) will hold a workshop to assist in the preparation of their joint comments in response to the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on modernizing and streamlining its universal service and intercarrier compensation policies adopted at the Commission’s February 8, 2011 Open Meeting.
    Word | Acrobat

2010

  • 12/2/2010
    Order: In this order, the Commission grants a request from Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. (GRTI), a Tribally-owned incumbent local exchange company serving the Gila River Indian Community, to waive sections 36.3, 36.123-126, 36.152-157, and 36.372-382 of the Commission’s rules to unfreeze GRTI's category relationships.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 11/4/10
    Recommended Decision: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service agrees that universal service programs need to better serve low-income participants and support broadband service.
    News Release: Word | Acrobat
    Recommended Decision: Word | Acrobat
    FCC Commissioner Clyburn (Joint Board Chair): Word | Acrobat
    FCC Commissioner Copps: Word | Acrobat
    FCC Commissioner Baker: Word | Acrobat
    Chairman Ray Baum: Word | Acrobat
    Commissioner Larry S. Landis: Word | Acrobat
    Board Member John D. Burke: Word | Acrobat
    Chairman James H. Cawley: Word | Acrobat
    Senior Assistant Attorney General Simon Ffitch: Word | Acrobat
  • 6/15/2010
    Public Notice: Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Seeks Comment on Lifeline and Link-Up Eligibility, Verification, and Outreach Issues Referred to Joint Board.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 1/27/2010
    Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable James H. Cawley, Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat

2009

  • 12/17/2009
    Order: This order appoints Commissioners Clyburn and Baker to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Federal-State Joint Board on Separations, and appoints the two commissioners and Chairman Genachowski to the Federal-State Joint Conference on Advanced Telecommunications Services.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 9/23/2009
    Public Notice and Letter: Chairman Genachowski announces the selection of Ellis Jacobs, as representative for low-income consumers, and Scott K. Bergmann, as representative, for CMRS providers, to fill two vacancies on the USAC Board of Directors.  Each was the only nominee for their respective seats.
    Public Notice:Word | Acrobat
    Letter: Word | Acrobat

2008

  • 5/20/2008
    Order: In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) waives on its own motion sections 54.702(b)(1) and 54.703(c) of the Commission’s rules that specify that one member of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Director’s shall be nominated by and shall represent “interexchange carriers with more than $3 billion in annual operating revenues.” WCB finds good cause exists to waive these rules to enable the Commission to designate a member USAC Board of Directors for the seat from an interexchange carrier, regardless of its annual operating revenues. Word | Acrobat
  • 1/29/2008
    Order: The Commission seeks comment on the recommendation of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding comprehensive reform of high-cost universal support.
    Word | Acrobat

2007

  • 11/20/07
    Recommended Decision: In this Recommended Decision, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service recommends that the Federal Communications Commission address the long-term reform issues facing the high-cost universal service support system and make fundamental revisions in the structure of existing Universal Service mechanisms. Word | Acrobat
    FCC Chairman Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
    FCC Commissioner Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
    FCC Commissioner Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Commissioner Ray Baum Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Chairman Lisa Polak Edgar Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Commissioner Larry S. Landis Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Commissioner John D. Burke Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Assistant Attorney General Public Counsel Simon Fitch Statement: Word | Acrobat
  • 9/28/07
    Order: Pursuant to sections 254(a)(1) and 410 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) appoints Simon ffitch, Assistant Attorney General, Chief, Public Counsel Section, Attorney General of Washington, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, effective October 1, 2007. Word | Acrobat
  • 9/6/07
    Public Notice: The Universal Service Joint Board continues to work on the issue of fundamental reform. This document reflects a tentative agreement among the board members on the principles that may guide their deliberations. Word | Acrobat
  • 6/12/07
    Order: The Commission released an order granting an extension of time for parties to file reply comments in response to the May 14, 2007 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which sought comment on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service’s recommendation that the Commission adopt an interim, emergency cap on high-cost universal service support for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers. The reply comment date is changed from June 13, 2007, to June 21, 2007. Word | Acrobat
    Reply Comments: Reply Comments filed 06/21/07.
  • 5/14/07
    Public Notice: The Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comment on the Federal-State Joint Board on Unviersal Service's recommendation that the Commission adopt an interim, emergency cap on high-cost universal service support for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers. The Commission set the comment and reply comment deadlines as 14 and 21 days, respectively, after publication of the Notice in the Federal Register. On May 23, 2007, a summary of the Notice appeared in the Federal Register. Comment Date: June 6, 2007. Reply Comment Date: June 13, 2007. Word | Acrobat
    Comments: Comments filed 06/06/07.
  • 5/14/07
    Notice of Proposed Rulemaking : The Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comment on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service's recommendation that the Commission adopt an interim, emergency cap on high-cost universal service support for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers. The Commission set the comment and reply comment deadlines as 14 and 21 days, respectively, after publication of the Notice in the Federal Register. Word | Acrobat
    Comments: filed 06/06/07.
  • 5/1/07
    News Release: 5/1/07, The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service recommended that the Federal Communications Commission take immediate action to rein in explosive growth in high-cost universal service support disbursements. The Joint Board is also seeking comment on proposals for long-term, comprehensive reform of the high-cost program. Word | Acrobat
  • 5/1/07
    Public Notice: In this Public Notice, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) seeks comment on various proposals to reform the high-cost universal service support mechanisms. In a companion Recommended Decision released today, the Joint Board recommends that the Commission take immediate action to rein in the explosive growth in high-cost universal service support disbursements by imposing an interim, emergency cap on the amount of high-cost support that competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may receive. The Joint Board is committed to making further recommendations regarding long term, comprehensive high-cost universal service reform within six months. To assist the Joint Board in accomplishing this goal, we seek comment on several proposals that have been placed in the record since the close of the last comment cycle, as well as other possible reforms. The Joint Board expects parties to put forth detailed, comprehensive proposals within this comment cycle. Comments are due May 31, 2007 and reply comments are due July 2, 2007. Word
    Comments: Comments filed 05/31/07.
  • 5/1/07
    Recommended Decision: In this Recommended Decision, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) recommends that the Commission take immediate action to rein in the explosive growth in high-cost universal service support disbursements. Specifically, we recommend that the Commission impose an interim, emergency cap on the amount of high-cost support that competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may receive for each state based on the average level of competitive ETC support distributed in that state in 2006. We also recommend that the Joint Board and the Commission further explore comprehensive high-cost distribution reform. As part of that effort, today in a companion Public Notice we seek comment on various proposals to reform the high-cost universal service support mechanisms. We also commit to making further recommendations regarding comprehensive high-cost universal service reform within six months of this Recommended Decision. Finally, we recommend that the Commission act on these further recommendations within one year from the date of our further recommended decision. Word | Acrobat
  • 2/20/07
    En Banc Hearing of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Audio Recording
    Remarks of Chairman Martin
    Panel 1 - Audio

    Panel 2 - Audio

    • David Bodenhamer, The Polis Center, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis - Slides
    • Jim Stegeman, CostQuest Associates - Slides
    • Brian Staihr, Embarq - Slides
  • 2/9/07
    Public Notice: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal (Joint Board) will hold an en banc hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, in Washington, DC. Word | Acrobat

2006

  • 11/3/2006
    Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable John D. Burke, Commissioner of the Vermont Public Service Board, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 08/11/06
    Public Notice: Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service seeks comment on the merits of using auctions to determine high-cost Universal Service support. Word | Acrobat
    Comments: Comments filed 10/10/06.
    Reply Comments: Reply Comments filed 11/08/06.
  • 1/24/2006
    Order:In this order the Commission appoints the Honorable Curt Stamp, Iowa Utilities Board, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 1/13/06
    Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Deborah Taylor Tate, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations. Commissioner Tate shall serve as the Federal Chair of both the Universal Service Joint Board and the Separations Joint Board.
    Word | Acrobat

2005

  • 11/9/05
    Order:This order appointed the Honorable Lisa Polak Edgar and the Honorable Larry S. Landis to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 9/13/05
    Order:The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Extends Deadlines for Filing Comments and Reply Comments on Universal Service (Joint Board) Proposals to modify the Commission's rules relating to high-cost universal service support.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 8/17/05
    Order:The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service seeks comment on Proposals to modify the Commission's rules relating to high-cost Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 2/11/2005
    Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Michael J. Copps, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat

2004

  • 12/30/04
    Order:The Commission approves the nomination of two state commissioners, Elliott Smith and Ray Baum, to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 11/17/04
    En Banc Hearing of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service:
    Transcripts | Biographies | Statements
  • 9/08/04
    Order: DA 04-2895, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Nominations for Six Board Member Positions on Universal Service Administrative Company Board of Directors.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 08/16/2004
    Order:The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service seeks comment on issues relating to the high-cost universal support mechanisms for rural carriers and the appropriate rural mechanism to succeed the five-year plan adopted in the Rural Task Force Order.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 6/30/04
    Order: FCC 04-152, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Federal Communications Commission appoints the Honorable Robert Nelson, Commissioner of the Michigan Public Service Commisssion, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 6/28/2004
    Order: The Commission asks the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to review the Commission’s rules on high-cost universal support mechanisms for rural carriers and to determine the appropriate rural mechanism to succeed the five-year plan adopted in the Rural Task Force Order.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 6/8/04
    NPRM: FCC 04-127, CC Dkt. 96-45. In this Notice, we seek comment on the Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service concerning the process for designation of eligible telecommunicatons carriers (ETCs) and the Commission's rules regarding high-cost universal service support.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 2/27/04
    Federal State Joint Board ("Joint Board") on Universal Service: Joint Board provides its recommendations concerning the process for designation of eligible telecommunications carriers and the Commission's rules regarding high-cost universal service support.
    Recommended Decision: Word | Acrobat
    Abernathy Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Jaber (Florida PSC) Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Dunleavy (NY State PSC) Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Gregg (West Virginia PSC) Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
    Joint Separate Statement of Adelstein, Thompson (Regulatory Commission of Alaska), and Rowe (Montana PSC): Word | Acrobat
  • 2/26/04
    Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau released a draft of the revised Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet (FCC Form 499-A) for 2003 revenues. Word | Acrobat
    Appendix A in Acrobat
    Instructions in Acrobat

2003

  • 10/27/2003
    Order: The FCC largely adopts the recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service with certain modifications.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 7/31/03
    En Banc Hearing: CC Dkt. 96-45. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service held En Banc hearing on the Portability of the High-Cost Universal Service Support and the ETC designation process.
    Panelist |Joint Board
  • 7/11/03
    Public Notice: DA 03-2294, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to hold En Banc hearing on the Portability of the High-Cost Universal Service Support and the ETC designation process.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 4/2/03
    Order: FCC 03J-2, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service released a Recommended Decision proposing modifications to the Lifeline/Link-Up program.
    Word | Acrobat
  • 2/13/03
    Order: FCC 03-29, CC Dkt. 96-45. The Commission appoints the Honorable Jonathan S. Adelstein, to serve on a the Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat | Text
  • 2/7/2003
    Order: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service seeks comment on whether changes to the Commission’s rules relating to high-cost universal service support in study areas in which a competitive ETC is providing services, and regarding support for second lines are warranted.
    Acrobat

2002

  • 11/8/2002
    Order: The Commission asks the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to review certain of the FCC's rules relating to the high-cost universal service support in study areas in which a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier is providing service and support.
    Acrobat
  • 11/5/2002
    Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on the Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service addressing issues from the Ninth Report and Order that were remanded by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
    Acrobat
  • 10/16/2002
    Order: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service issues its Recommended Decision, which provides its recommendations from the Ninth Report and Order that were remanded to the Commission by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
    Acrobat
  • 7/10/02
    Recommended Decision: FCC 02J-1, CC Dkt. 96-45. Joint Board issued its recommendation regarding the definition of services that should be supported by federal universal service.
    Word | Acrobat | Text
  • 6/21/02
    Contribution Methodology Meeting: CC Dkt. 96-45. Transcript of Commission Public Meeting on Universal Service Contribution Methodology.
    Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
  • 3/28/02
    Order: FCC 02-97, CC Docket No. 96-45. The Commission appointed the Honorable Billy Jack Gregg, West Virginia Consumer Advocate, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
    Word | Acrobat | Text
  • 2/15/02
    Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order: FCC 02-41, CC Docket No. 96-45. Commission released a Notice seeking comment on issues from the Ninth Report and Order remanded by the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. The Commission referred the record collected to the Joint Board for a recommended decision by August 15, 2002.
    Word | Acrobat | Text

2001

  • 10/11/01
    Public Notice: FCC 01-J-2, CC Docket No. 96-45. Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Seeks Comment on Review of Lifeline and Link-Up Service For All Low-Income Consumers.
    Word | Acrobat | Text
  • 10/05/2001
    Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Michael J. Copps, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve as Commissioner on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. Acrobat
  • 8/21/2001
    Order: The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service invites comment regarding its review of the definition of universal service. Acrobat
  • 7/12/2001
    Order: The Commission appoints the Honorable Kathleen Q. Abernathy and the Honorable Kevin J. Martin, Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission, to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. The Honorable Kathleen Abernathy shall serve as the Federal Chair of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. Acrobat
  • 01/12/2001
    Order: In this Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Further Notice), the Commission seeks comment on the Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding a plan for reforming the rural universal service support mechanism. Acrobat
 

Bureau/Office:
Updated:
Friday, May 3, 2024