Press Release

PUC Chairman James H. Cawley to Serve as Member of Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service

Published on 2/2/2010

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced that Chairman James H. Cawley will serve as a member of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.  Chairman Cawley was nominated by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) to serve as a member of the joint board to address federal Universal Service Fund (USF) issues. The Joint Board is comprised of one or more of the five Federal Communications Commissioners, four State Utility Commissioners, and a consumer advocate representative.

The goals of Universal Service, as mandated by the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, are to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable and affordable rates; to increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the nation; and, to advance the availability of such services to all consumers, including those in low income, rural, insular, and high cost areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service was established in March 1996, to make recommendations to implement the universal service provisions of the Act.

“This dialogue between state and federal regulators gives us an avenue to address many current issues related to universal service,” said Chairman Cawley.  “Participation on this board is critical to Pennsylvania because we are a net contributor of about $165 million annually to the Universal Service Fund, and the FCC will soon propose a plan to Congress to fund broadband deployment throughout the country, possibly using the USF as the funding mechanism.”  The other three State Utility Commissioners are from net recipient states (Vermont, Oregon, and Indiana). 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov