Federal Communications Commission FCC 09-28 
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Re: High-Cost Universal Service Support; Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, WC Docket 
No. 05-337, CC Docket No. 96-45.
The Commission has for too long avoided answering the fundamental questions raised on remand 
by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (Tenth Circuit) regarding the high-cost 
universal service support mechanism for non-rural carriers.  I was therefore pleased when the 
Commission committed to release a notice of inquiry no later than April 8, 2009, issue a further NPRM 
no later than December 15, 2009, and release a final order that responds to the remand no later than April 
16, 2010.
With this Notice of Inquiry we have taken the first step towards fulfilling our commitment. I 
have consistently stated that, while the Universal Service system has been instrumental in keeping 
Americans connected and improving their quality of life, this system is in dire need of comprehensive 
reform. I have maintained that we must follow five principles when considering reforms to the Universal 
Service Fund. We must: (1) slow the growth of the Fund; (2) permanently broaden the base of 
contributors; (3) reduce the contribution burden for all, if possible; (4) ensure competitive neutrality; and 
(5) eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.  I will remain mindful of these principles as we consider the record 
in this proceeding.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to satisfactorily resolve the questions posed to us 
by the Tenth Circuit and to continuing our work towards fundamental reform of the intercarrier 
compensation and Universal Service systems.