On November 4, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an order granting a motion from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to put a temporary hold on a case concerning universal service contributions. The case, brought by Consumers’ Research and other petitioners, challenges the FCC’s determination of the universal service contribution factor for the fourth quarter of 2025.
The FCC requested the stay in light of ongoing government funding issues, asking the court to pause proceedings until two weeks after Congress acts to restore government appropriations. The court’s order means that action in the case will remain suspended until that time.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit order can be viewed here.
