The carriers have to pay that fee into the giant slush fund. That money is what pays for this free cellular service for deadbeats.
The carriers pass that fee onto you. They have the power to do that because the state utility commissions include that in recoverable expenses.
So to say that this is not paid with taxpayer money is hogwash! The FCC mandates that Verizon, AT&T, Century Link, et al pay the fee. **THEY** are all taxpayers.
They pass the charge onto you because state law says they can do it. **YOU** are a taxpayer.
So these phones ARE paid for by taxpayers. Neither the carriers nor you have a choice! Money is being taken and redistributed under power of law - what do you call that?
The Universal Connectivity Fee is mandated by federal law
The carriers have to pay that fee into the giant slush fund. That money is what pays for this free cellular service for deadbeats.
The carriers pass that fee onto you. They have the power to do that because the state utility commissions include that in recoverable expenses.
So to say that this is not paid with taxpayer money is hogwash! The FCC mandates that Verizon, AT&T, Century Link, et al pay the fee. **THEY** are all taxpayers.
They pass the charge onto you because state law says they can do it. **YOU** are a taxpayer.
So these phones ARE paid for by taxpayers. Neither the carriers nor you have a choice! Money is being taken and redistributed under power of law - what do you call that?
A TAX.