Universal Service Subsidies to Areas Served by Cable Telephony

35 Pages Posted: 17 Aug 2011

See all articles by Jeffrey A. Eisenach

Jeffrey A. Eisenach

NERA Economic Consulting; American Enterprise Institute

Date Written: November 1, 2009

Abstract

This study analyzes the extent to which Federal Universal Service Fund subsidies are paid to rural telephone companies to provide service in areas served by unsubsidized competitors, i.e., cable TV companies that now provide both broadband and cable telephony service. The evidence shows that approximately $1.6 billion was spent in 2008 to subsidize telephone companies in service territories where cable companies now offer voice service to at least some households. Moreover, based on an analysis of population density and topography (the two factors that most heavily affect the costs of providing wireline telecommunications services), cable companies often serve portions of study areas which are no less costly, or even more costly, to serve than the overall study area. The existence of unsubsidized cable telephony in these areas is prima facie evidence that a significant portion of the subsidies paid to rural telephone companies are no longer necessary to meet the goal of reasonably affordable service.

Suggested Citation

Eisenach, Jeffrey A., Universal Service Subsidies to Areas Served by Cable Telephony (November 1, 2009). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1910599 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1910599

Jeffrey A. Eisenach (Contact Author)

NERA Economic Consulting

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United States
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HOME PAGE: http://www.nera.com

American Enterprise Institute ( email )

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Washington, DC 20036
United States

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