FCC Takes Further Steps to Expand Rural Broadband Deployment

Continuing its work to expand broadband access in rural areas, the Federal Communications Commission amended its rules to help bring high-speed Internet to locations that are very costly to serve. The change allows carriers greater flexibility in planning deployment projects that are funded by the high-cost universal service support program. Today’s change allows carriers to pay for the portion of the excess capital expenditure with their own funds, rather than disallowing support for the project altogether, while continuing to promote the efficient use of universal service.