June 27, 2025
Statement on Behalf of Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition, on the Supreme Court’s Decision to Uphold the Constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund (USF)
Today, the United States Supreme Court released its decision declaring the longstanding Universal Service Fund constitutional, affirming decades of progress in closing the digital divide for low income families, schools, libraries, and health care providers in rural areas. NHMC applauds the Court for its decision today and calls on all policymakers to continue to promote programs that connect families to the internet at home.
Created by Congress in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Universal Service Fund uses by mandatory contributions from telecommunications carriers to fund subsidy programs that build and sustain telecommunications infrastructure in rural and high-cost areas, phone and internet services for low-income families, discounted internet for schools and libraries, and broadband services for rural health care centers. Among rural residents in the U.S., 28 percent do not have access to the internet. This number increases for low income families to 43 percent, creating a disconnect for those who cannot access the internet at home for homework, remote work, or telehealth.
NHMC believes that access to the internet is a human right. In today’s world, equal opportunity cannot exist while a third of Latino families do not have access to the internet at home. Communities on the wrong side of the digital divide, particularly low-income families, will continue to experience disparities in wealth, health, education, and more as a domino effect. Congress has the power and ability to help level the playing field for all Americans, no matter their zip code, ethnicity, race, or education level. It’s time we strengthen our approach to ensure our community is not left behind.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
