Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Response to Members of Congress Regarding the Alternative Connect America Model

The Federal Communications Commission is working to ensure that all areas of the United States can access high-speed, high-quality broadband, through a revision of the Alternative Connect America Model (A-CAM) program. The program is meant to provide additional universal service support to certain rural carriers in exchange for increasing deployment to more locations at higher speeds. In the Enhanced A-CAM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission sought comment on a proposal by a coalition of rural carriers to make changes to the A-CAM program, and on how and whether to align the deployment obligations for those carriers receiving Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS) with any revised plan adopted for A-CAM carriers. Further, the FCC plans to separately consider the deployment obligations and funding levels for CAF BLS carriers receiving that will apply beginning in 2024. FCC staff are currently reviewing the record in this proceeding. Please be assured that we will take into consideration the issues and concerns presented by all stakeholders as the FCC deliberates on the appropriate course of action.

[04/11/2023]