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Announcements

Announcements

December 13, 2024
USAC Launches New CAF State Map

USAC has launched a new online map that provides a big-picture, state-level view of the impact of the Connect America Fund (CAF) on broadband expansion in rural America, as well as a new online search tool that displays details about CAF-supported broadband deployment by speed tier.

The new map and tool are the latest additions to a series of online applications that provide public access to broadband deployment and payment information for the Connect America Fund as part of USAC’s Open Data initiative, which makes data about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF) available and easily accessible to the general public. 

The new Connect America Fund State Map (CAF State Map) displays total broadband deployment obligations by location count, total cumulative deployment reported so far by location count and total cumulative funding paid out to date – all on a state-by-state basis – by aggregating data for all carriers participating in the Connect America Fund in each state. Read the full announcement here.

November 14, 2024
Annual HUBB Filing Due March 3, 2025

The annual HUBB filing deadline is coming soon. Carriers participating in modernized Connect America Fund (CAF) programs with defined fixed broadband buildout obligations have until March 3, 2025, to file and certify deployment data with USAC’s High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal showing where they built out mass-market, high-speed Internet service in calendar year 2024 or certify that they have “no locations to upload.”

This includes carriers participating in the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Enhanced ACAM) program, which will be filing in the HUBB for the first time and will be reporting deployment data using the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (Fabric), a single, standardized dataset of all locations in the U.S. where fixed broadband access service is available or could be installed. (See details below).

Please join USAC at 2 p.m. ET on Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025, for a webinar overview of the HUBB reporting requirements, a walk-through of the system and an explanation of the HUBB filing process for Enhanced ACAM carriers. Register here.

Read the full announcement here.

November 4, 2024
Performance Measures System Open to Generate Random Samples

Carriers participating in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) may now log into the USAC Performance Measures Module (PMM) to generate random samples of subscriber locations for quarterly network speed and latency pre-testing starting in 2025 in order to comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Performance Measures compliance framework. USAC strongly encourages PR/USVI carriers to begin this process as soon as possible – starting by updating their broadband deployment data in the High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal to be as complete and accurate as possible – before then uploading their subscriber location data into the PMM and generating their random samples for pre-testing.

Please join USAC from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST on Thurs., Dec. 12, 2024, for a webinar overview of the new sample generation process for performance measures testing. Register here. 

Read the full announcement here.

October 29, 2024
Performance Measures System Open to Generate New Random Samples

Carriers participating in the Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Original ACAM), Revised Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Revised ACAM), Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE) and Alaska Plan fundsmay now log into the USAC Performance Measures Module (PMM) to generate new random samples of subscriber locations for ongoing quarterly network speed and latency testing next year.

Original and Revised ACAM, RBE and Alaska Plan carriers are nearing the end of their fourth full year of network performance measures testing mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – and are now in their eighth and final quarter of testing with their current random samples of CAF-supported broadband locations with active subscribers – and must therefore obtain new samples for quarterly testing that starts in the first quarter of 2025. The FCC requires carriers to obtain new random samples of subscriber locations after two years of network testing.

USAC strongly encourages carriers to begin this process as soon as possible – starting by updating their broadband deployment data in the High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal to be as complete and accurate as possible and then uploading their subscriber location data into the PMM and generating new samples.

Please join USAC from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST on Thurs., Dec. 12, 2024, for a webinar overview of the new sample generation process for performance measures testing. Register here. Read the full announcement here.

October 16, 2024
USAC Encourages Carriers to Update HUBB Data to Prepare for New PMM Sample Generation

USAC encourages all carriers participating in the Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Original ACAM), Revised Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Revised ACAM), Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE) and Alaska Plan programs to be sure that their broadband deployment data in the High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal – showing where they offer broadband service with Connect America Fund (CAF) support – is as up-to-date, complete and accurate as possible in order to prepare for the generation of new random samples of active subscriber locations for ongoing quarterly network speed and latency testing in 2025.

Original and Revised ACAM, RBE and Alaska Plan carriers are nearing the end of their fourth full year of network performance measures testing mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – and are now in their eighth and final quarter of testing with their current random samples of CAF-supported broadband locations with active subscribers – and must therefore obtain new samples for quarterly testing that starts in the first quarter of 2025. The FCC requires carriers to obtain new random samples of subscriber locations after two years of network testing.

USAC will inform Original and Revised ACAM, RBE and Alaska Plan carriers when it is ready to generate new random samples. In the meantime, carriers should update their broadband build-out data in the HUBB as soon as possible to add any new locations that they have built out but not yet submitted to the system. While carriers have until March 3, 2025, to report deployment completed in 2024 in the HUBB, USAC encourages carriers to file their 2024 deployments as soon as possible so that those locations can potentially be included in their new random samples for testing starting in the first quarter of next year.

In addition, carriers should update speed tier data for existing locations already in the HUBB by Oct. 24, 2024, if they want those network upgrades reflected in their new random samples. Carriers should also begin the process of determining which locations reported in the HUBB have active subscribers for potential inclusion in the new samples since this process can take time. Read the full announcement here.

October 16, 2024
Coming in 2025: Performance Measures Testing

Starting in 2025, carriers participating in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) must conduct quarterly network speed and latency testing at a random sample of broadband subscriber locations supported by the Connect America Fund (CAF) in order to comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) performance measures testing requirements. To prepare for this process, USAC encourages RDOF carriers to be sure that their broadband deployment data in the High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal – showing where they offer broadband service with CAF support – is as up-to-date, complete and accurate as possible.

USAC will inform RDOF carriers when it is ready to generate their first random samples of CAF-supported locations with active subscribers for network testing beginning in the first quarter of 2025.

In the meantime, carriers should update their broadband build-out data in the HUBB as soon as possible to add any new locations that they have built out but not yet submitted to the system. While carriers have until March 3, 2025, to report deployment completed in 2024 in the HUBB, USAC encourages carriers to file their 2024 deployments as soon as possible so that those locations can potentially be included in their new random samples for testing starting in the first quarter of next year.

In addition, carriers should update speed tier data for existing locations already in the HUBB by the end of October if they want those network upgrades reflected in their new random samples. Carriers should also begin the process of determining which locations reported in the HUBB have active subscribers for potential inclusion in the new samples since this process can take time. Read the full announcement here.

October 2, 2024
Webinar: Avoiding Common Audit Findings

Please join USAC on Wednesday, October 30th from 1:00 PM ET to 2:00 PM ET to learn how to avoid common findings of High Cost beneficiary audits. In this session, USAC’s High Cost and Internal Audit staff will discuss common carrier errors discovered during beneficiary audits. Register Here

October 2, 2024
USAC Encourages Carriers to Submit and Certify Third Quarter Network Testing Results by Oct. 7

USAC encourages carriers to submit and certify results from network speed and latency testing conducted in the third quarter of 2024 at a random sample of broadband subscriber locations supported by the Connect America Fund (CAF) in the USAC Performance Measures Module (PMM) by Mon., Oct. 7, 2024, so that USAC can produce third quarter compliance reports to help carriers track their progress in meeting the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Performance Measures compliance framework.

USAC provides quarterly compliance reports to carriers that certify their test results within one week of the end of the quarter – no later than Mon., Oct. 7, 2024, for third quarter results – to help them track their progress in meeting FCC speed and latency metrics and address any shortfalls.

Quarterly testing mandates currently apply to carriers in the following funds (as well as ACS):

Carriers in all these funds, as well as ACS, were required to complete a week of third quarter network testing by Mon., Sept. 30, 2024.  (The FCC has waived performance measures testing requirements for the fourth quarter of 2024 for carriers located in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene). Read the full announcement here.

September 30, 2024
Q3 Performance Measures Testing Must Be Complete by Sept. 30

USAC reminds carriers subject to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Performance Measures testing framework that they must complete a week of third quarter network speed and latency testing at a random sample of broadband subscriber locations supported by the Connect America Fund (CAF) by Mon., Sept. 30, 2024, and encourages carriers to submit and certify the results of that testing through the USAC Performance Measures Module (PMM) as soon as possible after testing is done.

USAC provides quarterly compliance reports to carriers that certify their test results within one week of the end of the quarter – no later than Mon., Oct. 7, 2024, for third quarter results – to help them track their progress in meeting FCC speed and latency metrics and address any shortfalls.

Quarterly testing mandates currently apply to carriers in the following funds (as well as ACS):

Read the full announcement here.

August 28, 2024
Annual ETC Certification Due by Oct. 1

State utility commissions and carriers that self certify must complete the annual certification of eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) receiving High Cost support by Oct. 1, 2024, to ensure continued carrier participation in the High Cost program. Failure to complete this certification, which must be submitted to both USAC and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), may result in loss of High Cost funding for carriers to provide voice and broadband service in rural communities.

The annual ETC certification, mandated under 47 CFR Section 54.314 , requires state utility commissions to certify that carriers under their jurisdiction are eligible to receive High Cost support in their states and used all support collected in the proceeding calendar year only to provide, maintain and upgrade the facilities for which the support was intended and will do the same in the coming calendar year. Carriers that self certify (ETCs not subject to state jurisdiction) must certify that they used all High Cost support collected in the proceeding calendar year only to provide, maintain and upgrade the facilities for which the support was intended and will do the same in the coming calendar year.

States may submit the annual ETC certification to USAC through the 54.314 system, which is accessible through USAC’s E-File system, or by email, fax or mail. Carriers that self certify must submit the annual ETC certification to USAC using the 54.314 system. Read the full announcement here.

August 13, 2024
Form 481 and Broadband Deployment Data Now Available to State Officials

State utility commissions may now access the most recent FCC Form 481 filings for carriers under their jurisdiction that receive High Cost support through the 54.314 certification filing system in E-File, and deployment data for broadband service supported by the Connect America Fund (CAF) in their states through the Connect America Fund Broadband Map, or CAF Map.

The annual Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) certification, mandated under 47 CFR Section 54.314, requires state utility commissions to certify that carriers under their jurisdiction are eligible to receive High Cost support in their states and used all support received in the proceeding calendar year only to provide, maintain and upgrade the facilities for which the support was intended and will do the same in the coming calendar year. State regulators must complete the annual ETC certification for all carriers under their jurisdiction, and submit the certification to USAC and the FCC by Oct. 1 every year. Read the full announcement here.

August 13, 2024
Form 481 and Broadband Deployment Data Now Available to Tribal Officials

Tribal governments may now access the most recent FCC Form 481 filings submitted by telecommunications carriers that serve Native American communities with financing from the High Cost program through the 54.314 certification filing system in  E-File, as well as deployment data for broadband networks supported by the Connect America Fund (CAF) in Indian Country through the Connect America Fund Broadband Map, or CAF Map.

Part of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), High Cost distributes billions of dollars to carriers each year to deliver essential telecommunications services in rural areas where the market alone cannot support the substantial cost of deploying network infrastructure and providing connectivity. Carriers must offer service at rates reasonably comparable to those available in urban areas. Read the full announcement here.

July 12, 2024
USAC Encourages Carriers to Submit and Certify Second Quarter Network Testing Results by July 8

USAC encourages carriers to submit and certify results from network speed and latency testing conducted in the second quarter of 2024 at a random sample of broadband subscriber locations supported by the Connect America Fund (CAF) in the USAC Performance Measures Module (PMM) no later than Mon., July 8, 2024, so that USAC can provide second quarter compliance reports to help carriers track their progress in meeting the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Performance Measures compliance framework.

USAC provides quarterly compliance reports to carriers that certify their test results within one week of the end of the quarter – no later than July 8, 2024, for second quarter results – to help them track their progress in meeting FCC speed and latency metrics and address any shortfalls.

Quarterly testing mandates currently apply to carriers in the following funds (as well as ACS):

Carriers in all these funds, as well as ACS, were required to complete a week of second quarter network testing by June 30, 2024. Read the full announcement here.

July 12, 2024
Form 481 Certification Functionality Back On

USAC has restored the certification functionality in the system that carriers use to file and certify Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Form 481 after fixing a problem that had been preventing the system from capturing the form’s mandatory supply chain certification for some carriers. The certify and bulk certify buttons in the Form 481 filing system are now active and carriers can now certify the annual filing, which is due by July 10 this year.

Form 481, which is accessible through the USAC E-file/Okta One Portal, collects financial and operations information used to validate carrier support. Although carriers must typically file and certify Form 481 by July 1, the FCC released an order on June 28, 2024, extending this year’s deadline to July 10, 2024, to give USAC time to research and address the cause of the missing supply chain certifications and give carriers time to go back into the system to certify the form now that the problem is fixed.

Please note that a separate problem is also preventing some carriers from downloading PDF versions of their Form 481 filings from the filing system following certification. USAC is still looking into this issue too and will make these PDF files available to carriers at a later time. Read the full announcement here.

July 12, 2024
Network Testing Results From 2023 Due Today

USAC reminds carriers subject to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Performance Measures testing framework that they must file and certify results from network speed and latency testing at a random sample of broadband subscriber locations supported by the Connect America Fund (CAF) conducted in all four quarters of 2023 in the USAC Performance Measures Module (PMM) by today, July 1, 2024.

Carriers that have not yet submitted all mandatory test data for 2023 – that is all test data for each obligated speed tier for the required subscriber location sample sizes for each of the four quarters of 2023 – should submit and certify the missing data by today, July 1, 2024, to address any remaining omissions before the deadline. And carriers that are at risk of being out of compliance because their 2023 speed and latency test results did not meet FCC standards can potentially avoid penalties by submitting passing quarterly results for 2024 now. Read the full announcement here.

June 28, 2024
FCC Extends Form 481 Deadline to July 10

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has extended the deadline for carriers to file and certify this year’s FCC Form 481 to July 10, 2024, while USAC addresses a problem that is preventing the Form 481 filing system from capturing the form’s mandatory supply chain certification for some carriers.

In an order released late today, the FCC temporarily waived the annual July 1 filing and certification deadline for Form 481. The certify and bulk certify buttons in the Form 481 filing system remain disabled while USAC researches and fixes the cause of the missing supply chain certifications. USAC encourages carriers to continue working on the filing in the meantime, however, and will follow up with additional information and guidance as soon as possible.

FCC Form 481, which is accessible through the USAC E-file/Okta One Portal, collects financial and operations information used to validate carrier support. USAC will notify users when the certification functionality is back on and the certify buttons are active again. If needed, USAC may ask some carriers to recertify their Form 481 filings at that time. Read the full announcement here.

June 28, 2024
Carriers Must Complete Q2 Network Testing by June 30 and Certify 2023 Quarterly Results by July 1

USAC reminds carriers subject to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Performance Measures testing framework that they must complete a week of second quarter network speed and latency testing at a random sample of broadband subscriber locations supported by the Connect America Fund (CAF) by June 30, 2024, and must file and certify results from testing conducted in all four quarters of 2023 in the USAC Performance Measures Module (PMM) no later than July 1, 2024.

This requirement applies to carriers participating in the following funds (as well as ACS):

While carriers in all of these funds (as well as ACS) have until the start of July to submit and certify their 2023 test results, they can currently view and download compliance reports for all four quarters of the year in the PMM if they have been submitting and certifying test data on a quarterly basis. First quarter compliance reports – including compliance reports that were previously missing from the system – are also now available in the PMM for these carriers if they filed and certified their first quarter test results with USAC by April 12, 2024. Read the full announcement here.

June 26, 2024
USAC Updates High Cost Detailed Payment Data Search Tool

USAC has updated the High Cost detailed payment data search tool to provide a more user-friendly platform for the public to access information about dollar amounts paid to eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that receive High Cost funding to provide voice and broadband service in rural America.

The updated High Cost detailed payment data search tool, which contains granular payment information dating back 10 years, allows users to look up disbursement data by year and month; fund type; Form 498 ID, formerly known as service provider identification number (SPIN); study area code (SAC); and state. The payment information reflects certain prior-period adjustments for funding caps, support phase downs and budget control mechanisms. The underlying dataset is available for export here.

Read the full announcement here.

All announcements can be found in the Announcements Archive.

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