FCC Reforms Connect America Fund: Smoother Credit for Rural Broadband
Published Date: 2/24/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC is updating the rules for letters of credit that companies must get to receive money from the Universal Service Fund for high-cost areas. These changes affect companies winning support through competition and aim to make the process smoother and safer. The new rules will start soon and could impact how much money companies need to show they can handle.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17508, Upper C-Band (3.98-4.2 GHz); Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band; Correction
The Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on July 31, 2026. The text of the Report and Order, Order of Proposed Modification, and Order on Reconsideration inadvertently contained minor editorial errors and incorrectly restated the number of years provided in the definitions of the first and second performance benchmarks, which are corrected as detailed below. We make this correction to improve the clarity and internal consistency of the document.
2026-17516, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-17208, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
2026-17193, Comment Sought on Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Certain Covered UAS and UAS Critical Components and Equipment Listed in Section 1709 of FY2025 NDAA
In this document, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) and the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) seek comment on proposing to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of certain previously authorized equipment that has been determined to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of United States persons. Through this Public Notice, PSHSB and OET propose to apply such prohibitions to certain previously-authorized foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components, and certain communications and video surveillance equipment listed in section 1709 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025 NDAA), added to the Covered List in December 2025.
2026-16993, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-16996, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for public feedback on a new paperwork collection related to space launch coordination. This affects businesses, nonprofits, and governments who might spend 4 to 16 hours filling out forms. Comments are due by October 19, 2026, helping the FCC reduce hassle and improve the process without extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02795, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Zeeland, MI
Hey Zeeland, MI pilots and air travelers! We fixed a typo in the new Class E airspace rule published on December 13, 2024, so everything’s clear and ready to fly smoothly. No extra costs or delays—just a quick correction to keep the skies safe and sound.
Next: 2025-02958, Connect America Fund, Alaska Connect Fund, ETC Annual Reports and Certifications, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible To Receive Universal Service Support, Universal Service Reform-Mobility Fund
The FCC just got the green light from the Office of Management and Budget to keep collecting info for the Connect America Fund for the next three years. This means telecom companies that get universal service support need to keep reporting their data under the updated rules starting soon. It’s all about making sure everyone, especially in Alaska and rural areas, stays connected with reliable phone and internet service.