On September 27, 2010, the FCC announced they are seeking nominations for seven Board Member Positions on the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors.
USAC is the designated vehicle of distribution of the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) by the FCC. It is governed by a board of directors representing a variety of stakeholders who possess a high degree of familiarity in various telecommunications issues. Two board member positions are currently vacant and five positions are set to expire on December 31, 2010. Nominations for the positions are due by October 27, 2010.
The FCC rules state that "….only members of the industry or non-industry group that a Board member will represent may submit a nomination for that position. In order to expedite the appointment process, members of the relevant industry or non-industry group are encouraged to nominate a single candidate who possesses substantial experience in, and knowledge of, telecommunications issues. If members of the relevant industry or non-industry group fail to reach consensus on a candidate to serve on the Board, or fail to submit a nomination for the particular Board member seat, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission will select an individual from that industry or non-industry group to serve on the Board…"
In an effort to provide low-cost telecommunication services, USAC oversees the USF programs, providing subsidies for telecommunication services in four distinct fields: high-cost rural areas, low-income consumers, rural health care providers, and schools and libraries.
Further details can be found here.
Further information about the USAC Board can be viewed on USAC's website.
