Connect America Fund: A National Broadband Plan for Our Future High-Cost Universal Service Support; ETC Annual Reports and Certifications; Telecommunications Carriers Eligible To Receive Universal Service Support; Connect America Fund-Alaska Plan; Expanding Broadband Service Through the ACAM Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is soliciting comments regarding its intention to build a record to help the Commission explore methods for modifying the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program to promote affordable and available broadband services in the years to come. Comments are due on or before October 23, 2023. The Commission is specifically seeking comments on the following questions from Tribes:
Should the definition of a full-service network differ for areas outside the contiguous United States or for Tribal lands, and if so, how?
How should the Commission define Tribal lands when considering the definition of a full-service network? What unique characteristics of such areas should the Commission consider?
Should the Commission evaluate whether, and if so, to what extent, those factors impact the carrier through individualized reporting, or should the Commission presume that these factors generally exist for all carriers serving these areas? For example, the Commission has permitted carriers to use Alaska Plan support to maintain service to existing locations without upgrade if they can demonstrate that they were not able to deploy additional service or upgrade their facilities (usually due to limited access to middle mile facilities). Should the Commission define a full-service network in Alaska or other remote and isolated areas with reference to existing service in those areas?
More information can be found here.