2024 Boards and Commissions

Nebraska Universal Service Fund Advisory Board

General Information

Formal Name:Nebraska Universal Service Fund Advisory Board
Contact Person:Cullen Robbins, Director, NUSFTelecommunications Department, Nebraska Public Service Commission, Phone: (402) 471-0230
Purpose:To advise the Nebraska Public Service Commission on the administration of the Nebraska Universal Service Fund.
How Many Affectable:All individuals in the state.
How Many Served:All individuals in the state.
Year Created:1997
Year Active:1997
Sunset Date:None

Authorization

Authorization Citation:Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 86-327
Parent Agency:Nebraska Public Service Commission

Memberships and Meetings

Number Of Members:9
Who Appoints:Nebraska Public Service Commission
Legislative Approval:No
Qualifications Of Members:1 representative for the Public Service Commission, 1 representative for elementary education and secondary schools, 1 representative for libraries, 1 representative for rural health care providers, 3 representatives for telecommunications companies, and 2 representatives for the public.
Per Diem:No
Expense Reimbursement:No
Term Length:3 years
Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:Terms Rotate

Meetings Required In:

Required FY 21-22:1
Held FY 21-22:1
Required FY 22-23:1
Held FY 22-23:1
Required FY 23-24:1
Held FY 23-24:1

Operations

Support Staff:Yes
Shared or Separate:Shared Nebraska Public Service Commission
FY 21-22 Budget:None
FY 22-23 Budget:None
FY 23-24 Budget:None
Other Funding Sources:None
Spending Authority:Nebraska Public Service Commission

Accomplishments

Since July 1, 2020:The Board has continued its role of advising the Nebraska Public Service Commission regarding the administration of the Nebraska Universal Service Fund. The Board continues to perform the task of promoting awareness of the universal service support that is available for eligible entities and individuals under the program.During this period the Board discussed and provided input and perspective to the Commission on the following subjects related to the fund: the appropriate level to be maintained for the Nebraska Universal Service Fund surcharge; the development of broadband deployment and broadband adoption pilot programs to the Fund; changes to the federal Lifeline program, and revisions to the high-cost distribution mechanism.