Verizon Caves, Drops Internet Surcharge

NEW YORK — Backing down to pressure from the Federal Communications Commission, Verizon has said that it will drop its planned high-speed Internet surcharge.

The FCC, which had announced a planned phase-out of the Universal Service Fund (USF) fee scheduled to take effect Aug. 14, sent a letter of inquiry to Verizon earlier this week asking the company to explain its proposal to charge consumers between $1.20 and $2.70 per month.

The original USF was a fee levied by phone and Internet providers on behalf of the federal government to subsidize communications services to lower income households, schools and rural areas.

News of the agency’s interest in the fees that would take effect after the USF phase-out prompted BellSouth to quickly discontinue its plans. Verizon made its decision to drop the new fee after it received the FCC’s letter of inquiry.

According to a Verizon company statement, the decision was a result of customer feedback.

"We have listened to our customers, and are eliminating the charge," a company spokesman said.

Gene Kimmelman of the Consumers Union said that government pressure likely had more to do with Verizon’s decision than consumer input.

“They got caught red-handed in a blatant consumer rip-off,” Kimmelman said. “Only under the pressure of regulators cracking down on them did they back off from this unwarranted charge."

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said that he was pleased that both BellSouth and Verizon had seen fit to drop the fees, adding that deployment of affordable broadband remains his top priority.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

AI Erotic Storytelling Platform 'AIEroticSmut' Launches

AIEroticSmut.com, a DIY erotic storytelling platform, has officially launched.

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Show More