Federal Communications Commission FCC 08-189
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE
Re: Comprehensive Review of the Universal Service Fund Management, Administration and 
Oversight, WC Docket No. 05-195
As Federal Chair of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, I am fully committed 
toward furthering the key goals of the program: promoting the availability of quality services at just, 
reasonable and affordable rates, increasing access to advanced telecommunications services, and 
advancing availability of these services to all Americans wherever they live.   
As we consider the best policies to achieve these goals and move toward comprehensive reform, 
it is of utmost importance that we have a Universal Service Program that functions effectively through 
rigorous financial oversight in order to fulfill its mission.  This Notice of Inquiry takes a productive step 
in that direction, again taking heed of Government Accounting Office recommendations regarding 
improvements to both the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund.  The NOI 
builds on the Commission’s efforts to bolster oversight of the USF and USAC, seeking comment on what 
additional safeguards we can implement to prevent waste, fraud and abuse as well as any additional 
measures that could be taken to reduce improper or under-payment.  We also ask broadly what additional 
performance measures and management techniques the Commission could adopt to improve the 
administration, operations and overall efficiency of the USF. 
As stewards of public funds, the Commission has an important role in insuring a Universal 
Service Fund that is efficiently and effectively managed in order to advance its goals for millions of 
consumers across this country. I would like to thank Chairman Kevin Martin for his leadership, and look 
forward to working with colleagues toward ensuring an accountable and sustainable USF.