Availability of universal service funds for broadband access shou...

Availability of universal service funds for broadband access should focus on disadvantaged users where areas with low adoption rates can be attributed to an “inability to pay for service, lack of computer literacy, unavailability of computers, social factors, lack of subscriber interest,” and lack of perceived value, said ViaSat in an ex parte filing. Because ViaSat-1, scheduled for launch in 2011, will be able to serve remote users and bypassed users, disadvantaged users should be the focus, the company said. The FCC should develop nationwide “price benchmarks” for broadband installation, user education and monthly service and then choose among different levels of federal support for customers who meet state eligibility requirements, it said. The USF program should continue to be technology neutral and should promote the development of new technologies for users, said ViaSat.