FCC Pushes High-Cost Broadband Into All-IP Era
Published Date: 6/5/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC is updating its High-Cost Program to better support broadband in rural and hard-to-reach areas, making sure networks are ready for the future with faster, smarter internet. This change helps boost American tech leadership and supports the shift to modern internet systems, with feedback due by early September 2026. It’s about making sure everyone stays connected as technology zooms ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Support Conditioned on 100/20 Deployment
The FCC is asking whether future high-cost support should require carriers to deploy voice and broadband at speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps (matching BEAD and Enhanced A‑CAM obligations) and whether recipients should meet other performance goals (latency, upload, cybersecurity). If adopted, getting ongoing support could depend on meeting those deployment and performance timelines and milestones.
Two‑Year A‑CAM I Extension Offer
The FCC is proposing a short-term extension of A-CAM I support through the end of 2028 so carriers would continue to receive their previously authorized annual support while location adjustments are done. As a condition, carriers must maintain voice and broadband service, respond to reasonable requests to serve additional locations, and could face support recovery if they fail network testing during the extension (with proposed recovery levels of 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% depending on testing level).
Limit Support Where Unsubsidized Competitors Exist
The FCC proposes limiting or eliminating high-cost support in locations where an unsubsidized competitor or a provider with an enforceable funding commitment already offers qualifying broadband or voice service, and would use mapping tools (Broadband Funding Map, National Broadband Map) to identify overlap. The NPRM seeks comment on what geographic granularity to use (BSLs, census blocks) and how to handle disputes and restorations if mapping changes.
Possible Single Modernized Support Mechanism
The FCC is considering three paths: (1) update existing legacy high-cost mechanisms, (2) replace them with a single new model-based modernized support mechanism, or (3) take no action and let expiring A-CAM mechanisms sunset. The NPRM asks for comment on advantages, disadvantages, and whether a new mechanism should be model-based or use another calculation method.
Support May Be Limited to Capital or Operating Costs
The FCC seeks comment on whether future high-cost support should prioritize capital expenditures or operating expenses, whether support for capital should be capped, and whether a new mechanism might support only operating costs for existing networks. The NPRM also asks about transition paths and percentage reductions year-to-year if recipients move to different support levels.
LEO Satellite May Affect Support and Obligations
The FCC notes that nearly all of the roughly 267,000 BSLs lacking 100/20 Mbps are shown on the June 30, 2025 National Broadband Map as served by LEO satellite, and it asks whether satellite availability should affect whether terrestrial buildout obligations apply or whether support should be reduced where satellite is available. The FCC also observed retail satellite plans like Starlink at $80 or $120/month and compared that to up to $200/month USF support per location for some legacy recipients.
Paperwork Relief for Very Small Businesses
The FCC invites comment under the Paperwork Reduction Act and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act on ways to reduce information collection burdens, specifically asking how to reduce burdens for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission also prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis and seeks public comment on potential economic impacts to small entities.
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
2026-14674, Sunshine Act Meeting; Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, July 22, 2026
On July 22, 2026, the FCC will hold a public meeting to discuss opening up 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band spectrum for new wireless services starting in December 2030. This move aims to boost U.S. wireless leadership and includes plans to help airlines update their radio altimeters safely. The meeting also covers space tech updates, affecting wireless companies, satellite operators, and travelers, with important deadlines and funding support on the horizon.
2026-14673, Review of the Commission's Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 2025
The FCC has decided to stick with its original plan for collecting regulatory fees in fiscal year 2025, denying a challenge from a company called Kinéis. This means businesses that pay these fees won’t see any changes or surprises in costs or deadlines. The decision took effect on July 21, 2026, keeping the fee rules steady and clear for everyone involved.
2026-14495, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and need approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to keep collecting this info. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-14497, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want to reduce the burden of information collection, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape simpler rules!
2026-14496, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on a form used by businesses and governments to apply for Mobility Fund support, making sure it’s still useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier, especially for small businesses, before September 15, 2026. This review won’t cost much time—just about 1.5 hours per response—and helps keep things running smoothly and fairly.
2026-14494, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on their paperwork plans by August 17, 2026. They want to make sure small businesses with fewer than 25 employees have less paperwork to deal with. This is part of a bigger effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money for everyone involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11343, Trump Accounts; Hearing
The IRS is holding a public hearing on July 16, 2026, about new rules for opening Trump accounts. People interested in speaking must submit their topics by June 15, or the hearing gets canceled. These changes could affect how certain accounts are managed and reported, so stay tuned for updates that might impact your money and taxes.
Next: 2026-11366, Proposed Waiver and Extension of the Project Period With Funding-Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as Amended, Title VI, Part B, Native Hawaiian Education
The Department of Education wants to give 21 Native Hawaiian education projects extra time and money by extending their funding for one more year, up to September 30, 2027. This means these projects can keep supporting Native Hawaiian students without interruption. If you have thoughts, make sure to share them by July 6, 2026!