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BILL ?\ELSO\
FLORIDA
July 21,2011
Chairman Julius Genachowski
Federal Communications Commission
445 l2'h Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Re: Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, CC Docket No. 96-45,
Lifeline and Link-Up, WC Docket No. 03-109, Lifeline and Link-Up
Reform Modernization, WC Docket No. 11-18
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
Before the FCC acts on any modifications ofthe Lifeline and Link-up program for the poor who
benefit from cell-phone service, I urge you first to fix an underlying problem of inequity.
Florida telephone customers contribute $270 million on a net basis each year to the Universal
Service Fund that fuels Lifeline, but only about $1 ofevery $2 contributed comes back into the
state to fund low-income telephone service, connecting schools and libraries and funding for
rural areas. That's because most ofFlorida's Universal Service contributions go to other
predominantly rural states. Until the FCC updates or fixes this situation, Floridians are going to
continue to get short changed.
I have raised this concern in the past, and I raise it again now, largely because I understand the
FCC is considering, among other things, whether to impose a mandatory minimum charge or
dramatically different enrollment processes for all cellphone customers subsidized by the
Lifeline and Link-Up program.
1support meaningful reforms that advance the long-term sustainability ofthe program,
particularly those aimed at eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in the program. The agency's
interim order dated June 21, 2011, is a common-sense solution to make sure that a single
subscriber can only receive a single benefit. However, a more permanent solution is needed to
manage this issue going-forward.
I urge the Commission to avoid reforms that would create unreasonable barriers for any eligible
subscriber to obtain service, or reforms that would disrupt service for eligible program
participants.
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The FCC needs to manage the Universal Service Fund in a way that limits unsustainable growth
and moves towards affordable service for all. But, I am concerned that some ofthe proposals
under review threaten to increase and cement inequities in the overall funding mechanism for
Florida and because ofthis, the true goals ofthe program will not be met.
Sincerely,