NC H854

Authorizes the Legislative Research Commission to study broadband infrastructure in rural communities and universal service fund (USF) issues.

Requires study of changes to the Federal Universal Service High-Cost program resulting from the National Broadband Plan.

Requires study of total universal service support payments distributed to telecommunications providers in North Carolina, including amounts for High-Cost, Lifeline, Healthcare Connect Fund, and E-Rate funding mechanisms.

Requires study of how USF payments are used to provide universal service to customers in the state and a summary of payments for each support mechanism.

Directs interim report to 2013 General Assembly in 2014 and final report to 2015 General Assembly.