By Nebraska Public Service Commission
Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair Tim Schram of Gretna has been appointed to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) board of directors.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr appointed him to the three-year term, which began Jan. 1 and runs through 2028.
USAC is the independent nonprofit organization that administers the multi-billion-dollar federal Universal Service Fund (USF). The fund ensures affordable access to phone and broadband service through programs such as:
-High Cost, which supports broadband and voice service in rural and high-cost areas;
-E-Rate, which helps schools and libraries obtain affordable internet access;
-Rural Health Care, which supports connectivity for health care providers in rural areas; and
-Lifeline, which assists low-income consumers with the cost of communications services.
“I’m honored by Chairman Carr’s appointment and the opportunity to serve on the USAC Board,” Commissioner Schram said. “USAC plays a critical role in connecting communities across the country, particularly in rural areas. I look forward to contributing my regulatory experience and working with fellow board members to ensure these programs are administered efficiently, transparently and in the best interest of consumers.”
In addition to program administration, USAC is responsible for collecting and disbursing USF monies, conducting outreach and education, and ensuring program integrity through audits and oversight activities. The board’s next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Jan.26- 27 in Washington, D.C.
Now in his fourth term on the PSC, Commissioner Schram has been closely involved in telecommunications regulation and broadband expansion initiatives, with an emphasis on improving connectivity in unserved and underserved areas of Nebraska. He was first elected in 2006 to represent District 3, which includes Sarpy, Saunders and western Douglas counties in eastern Nebraska.
During his time in office, Commissioner Schram has regularly contributed his state regulatory perspective to federal boards and national industry groups. Among other FCC-related appointments, he serves on the Interstate Telecommunications Relay System (TRS) Fund Advisory Council and the Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC).