The following statement can be attributed to Gigi Sohn, Spokesperson for the Affordable Broadband Campaign:

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“Today’s decision by the Fifth Circuit Court regarding the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund (USF) is outrageous. This decision by activist judges stands on dubious legal grounds but, more importantly and urgently, it will have catastrophic consequences for low-income Americans. 

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This, coupled with the lapse in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, is a slap in the face to low-income families, rural America, schools and libraries that rely on USF-funded programs to get online. The digital divide in this country will grow from a valley to a gorge, leaving untold Americans excluded from modern life — from telemedicine, work opportunities, homework, online learning and community. It is a disgrace that this country seems incapable of providing affordable broadband to all. We look forward to the US Supreme Court overturning this decision and urge the Congressional USF Working Group to act quickly to solve this.”