Over 106,000 Rural Homes and Businesses to Get Better, Faster Broadband

Because of FCC Reforms, Higher-Speed Broadband Will Reach New Homes and Businesses in 43 States

Over 106,000 rural homes and small businesses in 43 states will get access to improved broadband service due to recent FCC reforms to the Universal Service Fund.

“Today’s announcement means that many more rural Americans will have access to high-speed broadband service that will enable them to fully participate in the digital economy—entrepreneurship, telemedicine, precision agriculture, online education, and more,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.  “This is yet another example of how the FCC is working hard to close the digital divide.”

Pursuant to new rules adopted by the Commission last December, a total of 186 companies participating in the FCC’s Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) program have accepted $65.7 million in additional annual support over the next decade.  In return, these carriers have committed to deploying 25/3 Mbps service to 106,365 homes and small businesses that would have otherwise only received slower 10/1 Mbps service.

The boost represents a 31.8% increase in the number of locations that will have faster service available through the A-CAM program.  Carriers must deploy 25/3 Mbps service to 40% of locations by end of the 2022, and increase deployment by 10% annually until buildout is complete at the end of 2028.

Source: FCC media announcement