Access to reliable broadband is essential for work, education, and healthcare—but millions of Americans remain disconnected due to high costs. This article explores how the Universal Service Fund (USF), once focused on phone access, must be modernized to support affordable internet in a digital-first economy. With the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program and growing legal uncertainty around USF funding, bold policy reform is urgently needed to close the broadband affordability gap and ensure digital equity.
