AFBF recently submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission regarding the Connect America Fund. Farm Bureau supports the creation of the CAF, as well as increasing downstream and upstream speeds, and allowing new entities to participate. AFBF will continue working with the FCC in its commitment to revitalize rural communities by expanding broadband access to rural America at an affordable rate.
The first phase of Universal Service Fund reform was the creation of the CAF to replace the current high-cost program that subsidizes telephone service. The CAF will only support services to areas that are currently unserved by broadband service or where support is needed to extend and support broadband networks. Annual funding for the CAF is set at no more than $4.5 billion over the next six years.
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