Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski has introduced a Universal Service Working Group aimed at providing a collaborative approach to the FCC’s reform of universal service programs to better support broadband.

The working group will be led by Sharon Gillett, Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau, and will include participation by the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, the International Bureau, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Managing Director, the Office of Strategic Planning, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Wireline Competition Bureau. 

"Modernizing universal service programs to bring the benefits of broadband to all Americans is one of the FCC’s top priorities and a key pillar of the National Broadband Plan," said FCC Chairman Genachowski.

"This agency-wide effort reflects the FCC’s commitment to smart and fiscally prudent policies that eliminate inefficiencies and target universal service support effectively to have the greatest possible impact. The Universal Service Working Group will help ensure that the universal service programs meet America’s economic, health, and educational communications needs in the 21st century."

In order to streamline the process for meeting with staff regarding Universal Service issues related to the broadband action agenda, the Commission has created a Webpage for requesting meetings.