by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Last month we talked a little about how PEG Television Channels showed their true value to our individual communities during the pandemic. We all embarked on a “fast tracked” learning curve in order to deliver important information and programming to our audiences.
Local governments, schools, small businesses, community organizations and of course, our residents, all benefited immensely because of the endeavors of their individual access channels.
PEG organizations are the ones who truly bleed the slogan “As Local, As Local Gets”! Or should we say
Hyperlocal???
Let’s review what PEG actually accomplished in the beginning of the pandemic:
1) PEG, as I mentioned, had a limited time to figure out how to continue broadcasting all local
government and public meetings to our residents to maintain transparency. Every PEG station has
different requirements in order to air their specific programming. We had to quickly learn how
platforms, such as Zoom and Cisco, worked with our various channel needs. Not only were we able
to go Live through these means, but we were able to air our vital information to Facebook, YouTube,
ROKU, AppleTV and Amazon Fire. We also were able to stream on individual municipal websites and
PEG websites, and some stations did Instagram and Podcasts. Wherever our audiences were able to
see and hear us, we made sure that the messages got to them!
2) PEG constantly updated essential messages from Mayors, Superintendents and Health Officials.
All of us were put on a 24/7 standby notice to make this happen. PEG channels were also the only
place viewers could go to watch Governor Murphy’s “daily” press briefings in their entirety, both
“live” and “on demand.”
3) PEG recorded a series of chemistry, biology, and other education labs and lectures to be able to
bring the practical education to students’ homes. Many stations tried to create programing to help
parents entertain their kids while they worked from home. PEG even developed specialized
programming around yoga, meditation, drawing, painting and sing-a-long songs that both educate
and entertain. Everyone created unique programming that was something that the residents looked
forward to, learned from, and provided something positive.
4) While many municipal stations don’t normally carry religious services, because of the pandemic,
special arrangements were made with local churches, synagogues and mosques to carry services to
worshipers who were not allowed to attend them in person. Many PEG stations also covered virtual
graduations to give families a chance to celebrate with their graduates when traditional celebrations
were not allowed to be in person. While sports were allowed to be played, attendance was
restricted, so PEG stations carried many local school sporting events so friends and family could
watch their teams and children compete. In addition, events such as Memorial Day parades, that
were not allowed to have an in-person audience, were recorded so they could be seen later,
providing an important sense of normalcy.
5) PEG stations kept their Bulletin Boards up-to-date with local news and announcements from the
latest Covid information to senior hours at grocery stores. This included public service messages
about proper hand washing techniques, social distancing requirements, the need to wear masks,
testing locations and more.
PEG stations are, always have been, and will continue to be the main source for community communications, including the monitoring and involvement with our local government officials and school boards. Unfortunately, it took this pandemic for everyone to realize the benefits of having local channels, and the value which PEG has always provided to local communities.
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Responds to Lawmakers’ Concerns About
The Future of the Universal Service Fund
In September, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel penned responses to two groups of lawmakers who had written to Rosenworcel about the future of the Universal Service Fund. In her responses, the chairwoman highlighted the FCC’s Report on the Future of the Universal Service Fund adopted on August 12, 2022. FCC Reports to Congress on Future of the Universal Service Fund
This report is connected to the Infrastructure Act, which includes the largest ever federal investment in
broadband, totaling approximately $65 billion. This Report provides recommendations for further actions
by the Commission and Congress to build upon that investment and improve the ability of the Commission
to achieve its goals of universal deployment, affordability, adoption, availability, and equitable access to
broadband through the Universal Service Fund and other Commission programs, to ensure that all of us have the broadband needed to succeed and thrive today.
The Report includes discussion of the costs of data transportation and their impact on rural providers,
according to Rosenworcel. “It recommends that the FCC initiate a proceeding to consider the future support
needs of networks serving high-cost areas, and in doing so assess what continuing support is needed to
develop, maintain and improve broadband operations in those locations,” she said. “In addition, the Report
includes discussion of middle-mile development in high-cost areas,” she continued, and recommends that the FCC “engage with NTIA on this program, and then study its results and its implications on for High Cost and the other universal service programs.”
Rosenoworcel also states that the Report includes discussion of whether the Universal Service Fund
contribution base should be broadened to include “edge providers,” such as streaming video providers or
major digital advertisers, which are by many accounts responsible for a significant volume of traffic on
networks serving high-cost areas.”
News & Events
Posted: December 19, 2022 by bduthaler
Broadband in New Jersey
by Robert Boyle, Founder and CEO, Planet Networks
This is the second year I attended the New Jersey State League of Municipalities convention. It is also the second time I have had the honor to speak on the JAG panel on a topic that I am so passionate about and have dedicated the last 29 years of my life to making it a reality with Planet Networks – fast, reliable, and affordable Internet access for all – especially those in chronically underserved areas.
The rock stars I had the honor to share the stage with are equally passionate about the cause of better broadband for all. Thank you to: Valarry C. Bullard (Transparency Officer | Broadband Advisor – NJ Office of the Governor), Joe Rivera (Manager of Broadband Access NJ BPU), India Still (Deputy Executive Director Administration and Finance Atlantic City MUA), Bob Duthaler (President Jersey Access Group), Ken Fellman (President at Kissinger & Fellman, P.C.), & Brian Wahler (Piscataway Township, Mayor).
It was not an accident that the very first residential building Planet Networks lit up with fiber Internet was a 101-unit apartment building where the majority of the units were rent-subsidized. We were also one of the first companies to sign up for the federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit during the pandemic. This initiative turned into the Affordable Connectivity Program which we have supported and accepted since day one. Providing ubiquitous and affordable Internet is a universal problem that will require all of us to work together toward equity and justice from NJ’s most rural farm roads to our urban centers. Far too many still lack access to anything resembling reliable Internet service. Private investments, like those Planet Networks is making with the addition of the federal funds available, when spent wisely can ensure access for all. If you live in NJ and haven’t already taken it, please take the NJ broadband assessment: https://broadband-nj.com.
LINK TO PRESENTATION: Video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k90uN9lWdOk&t=35s
Posted: November 28, 2022 by Doug Seidel
Following the Money: Accessing Broadband Funding
JAG and the NJ League of Municipalities present a joint session that explains how to access broadband funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Last year the Federal Government approved $65B to improve broadband deployment and adoption. This funding will flow to states for distribution.
During this session, our expert panel discusses how municipalities can apply for grants and use
funds at the local level. The panel is hosted by Mayor Brian Wahler of Piscataway Township. Other panelists include Valarry Bullard, Broadband Advisor to Governor Murphy; Joseph Rivera, Manager of Broadband Access – NJ BPU; Ken Fellman, Esq. Of Counsel, Helmer, Conley, & Kasselman, P.C.; Robert Boyle, CEO Planet Networks; and Bob Duthaler, JAG President.
Posted: November 7, 2022 by bduthaler
Enhancing Your Programming with Music
By Joel Feinberg, Chief Executive Officer, de Wolfe Music USA Inc.
De Wolfe Music was founded in 1909 by Meyer de Wolfe. Now at 113 years old, we are a full-service music company offering a production music library, custom composition, sound effects, and commercial music clearance services. Although the company is still independent and family-run, de Wolfe has achieved worldwide recognition and our music can be heard in countless films, TV shows, advertisements, and more.
The main attraction is our production music library, which contains a broad collection of over 100,000 tracks. Instead of aggregating existing recordings by random composers, de Wolfe works with a close-knit circle of full-time composers and is directly involved from composition to recording, mixing and mastering. Both sides of our music (composition and master) are 100% owned and pre-cleared for licensing. By maintaining exclusive control of our compositions and master recordings, we make the licensing process 1-stop, quick and easy.
We release 40-50 new albums every year, guaranteeing a fresh, contemporary sound within a multitude of genres. We strive to stay on top of the hottest music trends and those that would lend themselves perfectly for synchronization. Our in-house music specialists are available to provide music search assistance with lightning-fast results.
Our Labels
Creative and musically diverse, the production music label that started it all, covering most musical genres, with over 600 albums and tens of thousands of tracks.
Tracks ideal for rock, sports, news and business all with a North American focus.
De Wolfe is proud to be working with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and releasing their recordings of the world’s greatest classical music.
A unique collection of the very best jazz available for licensing. From ragtime to jazz hop, and everything in between
Made-to-measure music that’s ideal for radio ads, jingles and voice-overs, all cut to handy 60, 30 and 15 second lengths.
Our LP – back-catalog lovingly remastered. Old favorites, cult classics and music hard to find anywhere else
A special collection of our authentic vintage recordings remastered from our prized vaults. Each album focuses on a particular era. Perfect for time period productions.
Recorded between 1960 and 1974, the albums on Sylvester cover everything from avantgarde and music concrete, to French jazz and easy listening.
The little production music library that’s a lot different. Hudson offers tracks that are quirky, fun and diverse: from easy listening and lounge to styles and musical clichés.
Rouge catalog showcases our commercial composers at their best. The specialty series ‘The History of Jazz’ features some of the outstanding musicians on the jazz scene.
The Rouge Music Library was created in the 1970s and includes a wealth of Disco, Sports, Jazz and Drama. All of these LP’s are now available re-mastered.
Synctracks covers a broad range of popular styles and genres as well as some experimental tracks for those who consider themselves adventurous.
Bridges the gap between commercial music and the ease of licensing of production music. Bite Hard brings authenticity and commercial production values to promos, trailers, TV shows and movies.
Music Licensing
We offer a wide array of music licensing options which can be tailored to the needs of any single or series of productions.
Needle Drop: per use within a single production
Production Blanket: unlimited use within a single production
Series Blanket: unlimited usage throughout a series of related productions
Theme Use: unlimited use of one (1) track for a period of one (1) year
Annual Subscription: unlimited use of a portion or the whole library for a period of 1, 2, or 3 years.
Pricing
Our licensing fees are calculated based upon the type of production, clearances required, territory, and term. Please contact us for a quote at team@dewolfemusic.com
To learn more, we will be speaking at JAG’s general meeting on December 7th at 12:12pm via Zoom.
Posted: November 7, 2022 by bduthaler
Spotlight: HPTV – A History of HPTV
By Monica Jackson, Station Manager, Highland Park Television
The broadcasting of video recordings of Highland Park, NJ public meetings by HPTV is an accepted fact in the Borough and a well-regarded public service. Yet it may surprise some observers to hear that the development of the channel was by no means simple or amply supported.
The Borough’s Cable TV Advisory Committee established HPTV in 1996, initially offering only a bulletin board scroll. Video telecasts of Borough Council meetings began the following year.
As Borough resident Gary Leslie , long-time HPTV station manager shared, the Mayor and Borough Council were initially hesitant to have their meetings televised. Yet they soon came to see the value of the broadcasts, both to improve transparency and for enhancing accessibility. The Highland Park Board of Education expressed reluctance as well to see their meetings televised, yet they too embraced the option years later.
As the channel grew, HPTV added other forms of programming such as broadcasts of other town meetings and special community events; a talk show led by a local senior citizen; a series of stories from the public library; the airing of public domain films, and more.
When HPTV began adding local content, the limited group of volunteers who ran the channel benefited from a partnership with the public high school that allowed HPTV to work with a video production class and share a TV studio in the school with them. The students helped develop some of the programming and the class teacher served as a member of the Cable TV Advisory Committee. Sadly, budget cuts led to the cancellation of the class and the closing of the TV studio.
HPTV has often operated with a shoestring budget and a skeleton crew of volunteers. The Borough was able to obtain grants from the cable provider during franchise renewal negotiations, and used these funds to purchase new equipment. In the last decade the channel established a presence on YouTube and Facebook, which has enabled it to further extend the reach of the programming. Our next big step will be to stream our borough council meetings live to Highland Park residents beginning with our November meetings.
In 2019, Gary Leslie decided to take a much deserved retirement from his time-intensive involvement in HPTV. He has remained an active cheerleader, and helpful advisor for the station. Gary’s leadership has given us the foundation from which we operate today.
Monica Jackson, communications coordinator of the Borough, assumed responsibility for the channel and has overseen programming ever since. She, like Gary, finds it quite challenging to enlist volunteers to help create content for the channel. We are always looking for new ways to recruit volunteers and we would welcome any suggestions as to how to find and keep new people.
HPTV is currently aired on Verizon Fios channel 44 and on Optimum channel 15. The channel offers recordings of local government meetings (Mayor & Borough Council, Zoning Board, Planning Board, and Board of Education), programs produced by other sources (public access stations, public domain programming, etc.), bulletin board listings of upcoming events, and (when available) locally produced interviews and recordings of public events. We depend on the JAG cloud-based server to supplement the programs we produce locally. These programs help make the channel more interesting to our residents.
For more information on HPTV, please contact Monica Jackson at mjackson@hpboro.com.
Posted: November 7, 2022 by bduthaler
Operational Benefits For Station Managers
By Bob Duthaler, Executive Board, Chair
Running an effective and efficient station can be a challenging job. The degree of difficulty also changes depending upon your ability to spend time at your station. Some stations have the luxury of a paid station manager who oversees the operation on a daily basis. Others must rely on volunteers or boards to operate them successfully. Some are even a combination of both. However it is that your station is staffed, you need tools to help you successfully operate. JAG understand this. With this in mind, JAG is announcing our Manager’s Roundtable Discussions for 2023. These are special virtual meetings designed specifically for those who are involved in the oversight and operation of the PEG channel.
Thursday, January 12th at 2pm: Join us as we discuss “Sponsorship Opportunities for your Station”. Learn from those who are currently doing or have done this, what is involved and for what you need to prepare yourself. This is an open discussion designed for station managers to interact with each other, share personal experiences and ask questions of concern on the topic.
Thursday, March 9th at 2pm: Join us as we discuss “In Studio Productions”. Do you have a studio space or are looking to create a studio space? Learn how stations are utilizing space to create a studio, quality content and more. We will discuss all different sizes of studios from a small insert to a larger multi-set space. Find out about shows created, set designs and equipment used. This is an open discussion designed for station managers to interact with each other, share personal experiences or ask questions of concern on the topic.
Thursday, June 8th at 2pm: Join us as we discuss “Field Productions: Multi-Camera Productions both Live and Live to Tape”. How are stations covering larger events that require multiple cameras, including live switching, live streaming or live to tape coverage. We will discuss production vehicles, fly packs, portable switchers and the latest in live streaming. Come prepared to discuss your needs, budgets and capabilities. Learn from those doing it currently and hear from those who want to take the next step. This is an open discussion designed for station managers to interact with each other, share personal experiences or ask questions of concern on the topic.
Thursday, September 14th at 2pm: Join us as we discuss “Sports Coverage”. From single camera shoots to multi-camera shoots with live switching and cameras that can stream, add graphics and more. We will discuss having play-by-play announcers to take your coverage to the next level and how you can create a big budget feel with a small crew or even single camera coverage. Hear from stations currently covering sporting events and listen to those who want to take the next step. This is an open discussion designed for station managers to interact with each other, share personal experiences or ask questions of concern on the topic.
Thursday, November 9th at 2pm: Topic To Be Announced. Do you have a specific topic you would like to discuss? Please reach out to JAG President Bob Duthaler and discuss your ideas on topics you would like to discuss. Contact information: bduthaler@jagonline.org
Make the most of your station’s ability to create quality content and run efficiently and effectively by participating in the JAG Manager’s Round Table Discussions. Currently the plan is to hold these sessions virtually. If possible, there might be the ability to hold these in a hybrid format at a station’s location and online. Please mark your calendar now for these must attend events in 2023.
Posted: November 7, 2022 by bduthaler
Being an Affiliate of the League of Municipalities
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Since March 2000, JAG (Jersey Access Group) members have raised awareness of communication issues that have an impact on the interests of local government. JAG has created initiatives that ensure the voices of local officials and citizens continue to be communicated effectively.
JAG Is an NJLM Affiliate
In 2013, JAG became an affiliate organization of the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM). This allowed us to provide support to New Jersey municipalities in all areas of communications. We distribute information to more then 560 mayors and 13,000 elected and appointed officials who are League members. Each year at the League’s annual conference JAG presents sessions on communications issues that impact every municipality. These panels have spanned many communication issues and contain vital and informative facts that help New Jersey municipalities face communications challenges.
Meet the JAG Team at the NJLM Conference.
This year, JAG is preparing two new sessions that address potential funding for broadband and improving citizen engagement:
Find Out More About JAG
Stop by our The Jersey Access Group booth, #230, on the trade show floor. Talk to us about how our non-profit organization can help you develop the best strategy for communicating directly to your audience.
_________________________________________________________________________
Long Battle over FCC nominee Gigi Sohn Prompts Action
On Friday, October 14th, JAG was among nearly 250 industry and public interest groups who wrote a letter to top Senate leaders calling for a vote on the nomination of Gigi Sohn to the FCC before Congress adjourns at the end of the year. The FCC needs a full commission as it begins to deliberate on vital decisions that will impact the American people and the economy.
Following the infrastructure legislation that Congress passed last year, the federal government will soon invest an unprecedented amount of funding in expanding internet access. The lack of action on the Sohn nomination, and not having a 5th FCC Commissioner in place, has constrained the efforts to restore open internet protections and close the digital divide.
During the last administration, the agency deregulated net neutrality protections and wiped-out decades-old rules that maintained media diversity throughout our country. This new legislation directs the FCC to develop rules in order to address the discrimination in internet access on the basis of income level or race.
Here is an excerpt from the letter:
“Over Ms. Sohn’s 30 years of experience in telecommunications, broadband and
technology policy, she has shown a strong commitment to the First Amendment, and
proven to be a leader in promoting innovation, US jobs and a strong economy. She has
regularly worked with organizations representing diverse media interests and across the
aisle to ensure all voices and views are heard both as a consumer advocate and as a
government official. Her consistent and long held support of diversity in viewpoints in
media will serve all voices well and is why she is supported by both conservatives and
progressives. “
It was sent to Senators Charles Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Maria Cantwell and Roger Wicker.
For a full version of this important letter please go here
JAG – Connecting Your Content to Your Audience.
Posted: October 25, 2022 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: North Brunswick – Despite Municipal Building Closure, North Brunswick TV Overcomes Challenges
by Craig Yetsko, Station Manager, North Brunswick Television
Looking back at the past two and a half years, operations at North Brunswick TV could best be summed up with a quote from the movie Heartbreak Ridge as Clint Eastwood’s character, Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway told his platoon: Improvise, Overcome, Adapt.
The station overcame and adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic in a number of ways. They included:
▪ Airing daily, then weekly, briefings to keep residents up to date on the pandemic. The briefing
team included Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack, Councilwoman Amanda Guadagnino, Office of
Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Cafferty and School Superintendents Dr. Brian Zychowski (March 2020 – June 2021) and Janet Ciarrocca (July 2021 – August 2022).
480 briefings were aired between March 11, 2020 and the final briefing on August 17, 2022.
▪ Airing live virtual Township Council, Planning and Zoning Board meetings via the TriCaster TC1 feed and
through the station’s Cablecast system
▪ Broadcasting virtual Township events and programs, including exercise/yoga videos for seniors
In June 2021, Township Council meetings were transitioning from virtual to hybrid. While it was challenging initially to get the right sound and video setup, meetings were beginning to run smoothly by August. With the Council Workshop meeting room set for hybrid meetings, work shifted to the main Council Chambers.
Progress towards hybrid was being made until everything changed again on September 1, 2021. The remnants of Hurricane Ida caused significant damage and closure of the Township Municipal Building. While the studio equipment was spared, conditions inside the building were not conducive for in person operations.
The station overcame this obstacle by going remote via Anydesk to access the studio’s computer and operate the station. Having used Anydesk during the pandemic, the transition was seamless. It allowed
for easy program scheduling on the Cablecast system, updating the bulletin board and editing video on DaVinci Resolve.
Township Council Meetings were held virtually after the storm, and then shifted to the Board of Education Meeting Room in November 2021 for a few meetings. The meetings switched to virtual during the winter but since March have been back at the Board of Education.
The meetings at the Board of Education are hybrid with virtual attendees logging in through Go To Meeting with the screen shared on 4 monitors around the room through the Kramer VIA program. In the control room, a TriCaster TC410 Plus is used for video production. The system was not hard to get used to as the station has a TriCaster TC1 in the studio.
Meetings are aired live with the assistance of the Board of Education’s IT staff. They remotely switch the port which allows the TriCaster feed to broadcast on the channel.
While Township Council meetings have gone hybrid, the Township’s Planning and Zoning Board meetings are held virtually. They are recorded and broadcast during the week and through the weekend.
The one area which has returned to normalcy has been coverage of Township events. These include the Memorial Day 5K Walk/Run, Memorial Day Ceremony, National Night Out, Tunes at Twilight Summer Concert Series and North Brunswick Heritage Day. Events are recorded using a JVC GY-HM170U camera.
For non-Township programming, the station broadcasts Aging Insights, Spotlight on Middlesex County, R&B Bistro and Classic Movies with Ron MacCloskey. North Brunswick TV is currently in development of its own Classic Movies show with Mayor Womack as host.
Looking ahead, assessments will be made on the existing studio equipment as well as evaluating the best broadcast setup for hybrid meetings in the Council Chambers. The lessons learned and adaptation to new technology from 2020 to 2022 will only help North Brunswick TV in 2023 and beyond.
Posted: October 25, 2022 by Doug Seidel
A Retrospective on the Importance of PEG – The Full Picture
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Last month we talked a little about how PEG Television Channels showed their true value to our individual communities during the pandemic. We all embarked on a “fast tracked” learning curve in order to deliver important information and programming to our audiences.
Local governments, schools, small businesses, community organizations and of course, our residents, all benefited immensely because of the endeavors of their individual access channels.
PEG organizations are the ones who truly bleed the slogan “As Local, As Local Gets”! Or should we say
Hyperlocal???
Let’s review what PEG actually accomplished in the beginning of the pandemic:
1) PEG, as I mentioned, had a limited time to figure out how to continue broadcasting all local
government and public meetings to our residents to maintain transparency. Every PEG station has
different requirements in order to air their specific programming. We had to quickly learn how
platforms, such as Zoom and Cisco, worked with our various channel needs. Not only were we able
to go Live through these means, but we were able to air our vital information to Facebook, YouTube,
ROKU, AppleTV and Amazon Fire. We also were able to stream on individual municipal websites and
PEG websites, and some stations did Instagram and Podcasts. Wherever our audiences were able to
see and hear us, we made sure that the messages got to them!
2) PEG constantly updated essential messages from Mayors, Superintendents and Health Officials.
All of us were put on a 24/7 standby notice to make this happen. PEG channels were also the only
place viewers could go to watch Governor Murphy’s “daily” press briefings in their entirety, both
“live” and “on demand.”
3) PEG recorded a series of chemistry, biology, and other education labs and lectures to be able to
bring the practical education to students’ homes. Many stations tried to create programing to help
parents entertain their kids while they worked from home. PEG even developed specialized
programming around yoga, meditation, drawing, painting and sing-a-long songs that both educate
and entertain. Everyone created unique programming that was something that the residents looked
forward to, learned from, and provided something positive.
4) While many municipal stations don’t normally carry religious services, because of the pandemic,
special arrangements were made with local churches, synagogues and mosques to carry services to
worshipers who were not allowed to attend them in person. Many PEG stations also covered virtual
graduations to give families a chance to celebrate with their graduates when traditional celebrations
were not allowed to be in person. While sports were allowed to be played, attendance was
restricted, so PEG stations carried many local school sporting events so friends and family could
watch their teams and children compete. In addition, events such as Memorial Day parades, that
were not allowed to have an in-person audience, were recorded so they could be seen later,
providing an important sense of normalcy.
5) PEG stations kept their Bulletin Boards up-to-date with local news and announcements from the
latest Covid information to senior hours at grocery stores. This included public service messages
about proper hand washing techniques, social distancing requirements, the need to wear masks,
testing locations and more.
PEG stations are, always have been, and will continue to be the main source for community communications, including the monitoring and involvement with our local government officials and school boards. Unfortunately, it took this pandemic for everyone to realize the benefits of having local channels, and the value which PEG has always provided to local communities.
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Responds to Lawmakers’ Concerns About
The Future of the Universal Service Fund
In September, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel penned responses to two groups of lawmakers who had written to Rosenworcel about the future of the Universal Service Fund. In her responses, the chairwoman highlighted the FCC’s Report on the Future of the Universal Service Fund adopted on August 12, 2022. FCC Reports to Congress on Future of the Universal Service Fund
This report is connected to the Infrastructure Act, which includes the largest ever federal investment in
broadband, totaling approximately $65 billion. This Report provides recommendations for further actions
by the Commission and Congress to build upon that investment and improve the ability of the Commission
to achieve its goals of universal deployment, affordability, adoption, availability, and equitable access to
broadband through the Universal Service Fund and other Commission programs, to ensure that all of us have the broadband needed to succeed and thrive today.
The Report includes discussion of the costs of data transportation and their impact on rural providers,
according to Rosenworcel. “It recommends that the FCC initiate a proceeding to consider the future support
needs of networks serving high-cost areas, and in doing so assess what continuing support is needed to
develop, maintain and improve broadband operations in those locations,” she said. “In addition, the Report
includes discussion of middle-mile development in high-cost areas,” she continued, and recommends that the FCC “engage with NTIA on this program, and then study its results and its implications on for High Cost and the other universal service programs.”
Rosenoworcel also states that the Report includes discussion of whether the Universal Service Fund
contribution base should be broadened to include “edge providers,” such as streaming video providers or
major digital advertisers, which are by many accounts responsible for a significant volume of traffic on
networks serving high-cost areas.”