Senate bill would add big tech firms to phone fund contributions
In committeeS. 1651Latest action
Sponsor: Markwayne Mullin · Senator · OK
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 1651 would expand the Universal Service Fund to require large tech companies and ISPs to contribute, potentially lowering consumer phone fees.
70-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 1651 would require the FCC to write new rules within 18 months expanding who must contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which supports affordable phone and internet service for rural areas, low-income households, schools, libraries, and hospitals. Large edge providers such as streaming, social media, search, cloud, gaming, app store, and e-commerce companies would be added as required contributors alongside traditional phone companies. Smaller companies and very small contributors from any category would be exempt.
Who does it affect?
Large tech companies and big internet service providers that carry at least 3 percent of all U.S. broadband data traffic and earned at least five billion dollars in U.S. revenue in the past year would face new contribution requirements. Traditional phone companies currently paying into the fund, everyday consumers, and rural and underserved communities would also be affected.
Why does it matter?
Spreading the contribution base across more large companies could reduce the fees currently passed on to consumers through their phone bills. The bill also directs the FCC to create a new support program for internet providers serving high-cost areas like rural communities, which could affect the stability and reach of broadband service in those regions.
What does it cost, and who pays?
The fund would be supported by a broader group of contributors, including large tech companies meeting the 3 percent broadband traffic and five-billion-dollar revenue thresholds. Consumer fees on phone and internet bills could decrease if costs are distributed across more large contributors.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 7, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · May 7, 2025
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.