'At a House subcommittee hearing today, all five FCC commissioners expressed their support for urgent action to reform and modernize the Universal Service Fund (USF) system.

'FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin indicated, and his colleagues confirmed, their support for eliminating the identical support rule and for ensuring USF funding is provided to recipients based on costs. The commissioners indicated growing support for the proposed interim cap on CETCs. Among the commissioners, there is also widespread interest in elements of the Boucher-Terry bill on USF reform, which the Coalition to Keep America Connected supports, including broadband in USF and expanding the base of contributors to USF.

'These statements today are positive and indicate we are getting closer to action. There is now tremendous support in Congress and around the nation for an FCC decision to place a temporary cap on support for CETCs. Delay, however, will serve to increase strain on the USF system and impose risks on the programs it supports, which include rural telecommunications networks, rural health care, schools and libraries, and basic telephone services for low-income consumers.

'Today's hearing validates the strong interest among commissioners and Members of Congress to introduce key reforms that will ensure the stability of USF for the future.'

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The Coalition to Keep America Connected is dedicated to ensuring that all consumers have access to affordable telecommunications services and the latest technologies-no matter where they live. The effort is organized by four rural telecom associations, whose memberships include 700 small and midsize communications companies. Together these companies serve millions of consumers and 40% of the landmass across America. Visit us at www.keepamericaconnected.org.