Mississippi official urges FCC to audit AT&T’s Connect America Fund coverage

A Mississippi official called on the Federal Communications Commission to audit AT&T’s use of Connect America Fund (CAF) money in the state, citing concerns about the accuracy of broadband coverage information submitted by the operator. AT&T denied it has done anything wrong. In a letter sent to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley claimed his agency uncovered evidence during its annual certification for Eligible Telecommunications Carriers which “led to great concern” about the validity of data AT&T submitted. He alleged AT&T has a "history of submitting false data” and “should not be able to receive federal funding without oversight and accountability.” According to Presley, the issue relates to the fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband service AT&T deployed with CAF funding. He said the state Commission found specific examples “where the address was claimed both to USAC and the consumer that it was covered and then when a technician is actually deployed and rolls up in a truck to check it, it’s not there.” USAC refers to the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the FCC’s Universal Service Fund programs.