CAF. Is This the USF Reform We Were Hoping For?

The FCC's Connect America Fund is the current end product of reforming the Universal Service Fund. If the number and variety of people complaining about a particular government program is a measure of success, then the FCC has been wildly successful with USF reform.

Today's interview with telecom attorney Fred Goldstein (partner with Interisle Consulting Group) attempts to sort out some of the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

• what's wrong with CAF, what's right with CAF
• who benefitted from this phase I of the CAF program (some argue it won't be rural communities)
• should we be surprised carriers refused to play in the CAF game
• does anyone really understand how this program works
• if we're having this much angst and agony over CAF phase I and II with only $300 million, what's going to happen when reform of the remaining $4 billion in former USF money comes on line?

Anyone who's involved with, working for or cares about broadband in the U.S. needs to listen to this show.