8x8 Urges Congress to Act as Universal Service Fund Falters

8x8, Inc., a global leader in business communications and cloud collaboration solutions, has urged the U.S. Congress to fast-track reforms to the Universal Service Fund (USF) as its contribution rate reaches an all-time high of 38.1% for Q4 2025. The company formally submitted its recommendations to the bipartisan working group led by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), calling for a complete modernization of the decades-old funding model.

The USF, an $8 billion federal program, plays a vital role in supporting rural broadband, telehealth initiatives, and internet access for schools, libraries, and low-income families. However, the fund’s financial foundation built on interstate and international voice revenues has weakened dramatically, shrinking by nearly 50% since 2015. Meanwhile, the demand for high-speed broadband continues to grow exponentially. Without structural reform, the sustainability of the program and the communities it supports could be in jeopardy.

“Broadband isn’t optional. It’s how students learn, patients connect to care, and families stay in the game,” said Samuel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at 8x8, Inc. “But the system that’s supposed to fund all this? It’s buckling. A 38% surcharge? That’s not sustainable. Not for providers. Not for people. We need Congress to stop patching and start fixing. The USF has to be rebuilt or we’re going to lose the very thing that keeps America connected.”

8x8 emphasized that reforming the USF should go beyond short-term fixes. The company advocates for a funding model that is stable, equitable, and aligned with the realities of today’s cloud-driven, digital economy. The firm also urged technology and communications leaders to collaborate with policymakers to build a fair and future-ready funding framework.

“Broadband, cloud, comms. We’re all in this together,” Wilson added. “If the goal is to connect every American, then everyone who powers those connections needs a voice. Otherwise, we’re just patching potholes instead of rebuilding the road.”

In recent weeks, 8x8 executives met with lawmakers and industry peers in Washington, D.C., to discuss practical strategies for strengthening the USF and ensuring that affordable broadband remains accessible to all Americans.

“When the rules don’t reflect reality, the burden falls on the people who can least afford it,” said Larry Denny, Chief Legal Officer at 8x8. “This isn’t just a funding problem it’s a fairness problem. We’re in D.C. because we believe reform must include the voices of those delivering modern communications, not just those who built yesterday’s networks. The time to act is now – not next year.”

8x8’s advocacy underscores a growing industry consensus: the USF must evolve to reflect today’s digital-first communication landscape, ensuring that the nation’s connectivity infrastructure remains strong, equitable, and future-proof.