Universal Service Reform Act of 2006

The Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 (H.R. 5072) proposed a significant update to the federal Universal Service Fund to ensure that rural and high-cost areas remained connected to modern communication networks. The bill sought to expand the definition of "universal service" to include high-speed broadband, moving beyond traditional landline telephone services.

For everyday citizens, this legislation aimed to increase the availability of high-speed internet in underserved regions and improve access to telehealth services for rural residents. It also proposed changes to how telecommunications companies contribute to the fund, including potential limits on fees for customers who make a low volume of monthly calls. While the bill was introduced to modernize digital infrastructure and healthcare connectivity, it did not advance past the committee stage during the 109th Congress.