The FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau has announced that projects under the Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support will now be deemed to meet completion criteria when reaching 95% of required locations. This change offers fairness towards carriers unaware of new validation processes. Furthermore, the commencement date for the next deployment phase has been shifted to January 1, 2026, amid transitions in FCC leadership. The order's implications will affect federal funding distribution, particularly regarding the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, which is starting to be allocated to states such as Louisiana, Nevada, and Delaware.
"This allowance of a 5% variation provides equitable considerations to carriers who were not aware the NBM would be used to validate their certifications until after the expiration of the final milestone deadline."
"Implementation of CAF-BLS and multiple other issues related to federal programs almost certainly will be impacted by the transition. These vital details will be dealt with as federal funding is awarded."
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