NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: July 13, 2012 Neil Grace, 202-418-0506 Email: neil.grace@fcc.gov STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI ON THE D.C. CIRCUIT DECISION TO UPHOLD KEY UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND ORDER “I am pleased that the court of appeals upheld the FCC’s ruling, an important victory for our universal service reforms. The Commission’s once-in-a-generation overhaul of the universal service fund created the Connect America Fund to deliver broadband access to unserved rural communities, which lack access to the benefits of broadband, including jobs, opportunities for small businesses, better education and quality healthcare. Funding previously relinquished by some carriers has been used as a fiscally responsible down payment on those reforms. The Court’s opinion ensures that the FCC will continue to be able to use funds on hand to rapidly implement the Connect America Fund and spur billions of dollars in private investment, without increasing contributions paid by consumers and businesses.” -FCC-