WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today commended the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) vote to approve plans that will reform the Universal Service Fund to refocus the system on America’s communications challenges of the current digital age:

“For too long, this system has been focused on supporting the technology of the last generation—basic voice telephone service.  I am pleased it will now also tackle the challenge of the digital age—bringing high-speed Internet and wireless service everywhere in this country.  I recognize that reform means that some stakeholders will be unhappy because they prefer the status quo, but our Nation's communications infrastructure is too important to delay reform any longer.  Our economy cannot afford missing out on the opportunities broadband enables, such as expanding business, fostering innovation, increasing access to education and health care, and even transforming entertainment.  And consumers deserve more than a support system built only on the technology needs of the past.  So I commend FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and his colleagues for this effort, and I look forward to learning more about the details.”

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