88th LegislatureTaxes & SpendingTexas Senate Bill to Make Rural Telecom Fund Solvent, Remove Consumer Fee
Brad JohnsonJanuary 13, 2023
The legislation would alleviate the governor's concern that caused him to veto the 2021 bill.
HomeTagUniversal Service Fund | The Texan
JudicialStatewide NewsRural Telephone Service Fee Rises After Court Order to Balance $200 Million Debt
Brad JohnsonAugust 8, 2022
The TUSF has lingered in growing debt since a 2020 decision was made by the Public Utility Commission to reject a much smaller rate increase.
IssuesStatewide NewsState of Texas Owes $200 Million to Rural Telecommunications Fund, Phone Provider Group Says
Brad JohnsonJune 23, 2022
In 2020, the Public Utility Commission declined to raise fees that finance the fund mandated by state law, setting it on the path toward insolvency.
Statewide NewsRural Texas Satellite Phone Rates Spike Amid Telecom Dispute With State
Brad JohnsonNovember 8, 2021
A dispute between rural telecommunications providers and the state has led to rising costs for Texans reliant on remote service.
State HouseState SenateThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Texas GOP Declines to Drop Gab, PUC Gives Ground on Telecom Fee, Senators Lobby for Electricity Repricing
Brad JohnsonMarch 12, 2021
This week — a look at Texas politics the week of the legislative bill filing deadline.
Statewide NewsOver 50 Telephone Providers Sue State Over Missing Payments from the Universal Service Fund
Brad JohnsonJanuary 22, 2021
The state mandates telecommunications access for Texans, but according to a new lawsuit the state has abrogated its responsibility to supplement costs for those tasked with fulfilling the order.