47 U.S.C. Sec. 254
The federal universal service high-cost program is designed to ensure that consumers in rural, insular, and high-cost areas have access to modern communications networks capable of providing voice and broadband service, both fixed and mobile, at rates that are reasonably comparable to those in urban areas. The program fulfills this universal service goal by allowing eligible carriers who serve these areas to recover some of their costs from the federal Universal Service Fund.
32.002
Subsidy
Not Applicable
Varies by support mechanism or process.
Not Applicable
Total Amount: ~$4.17 billion disbursed in Funding Year 2022 (the FCC High Cost Program is not funded through appropriations; funding instead comes through contributions collected from providers of interstate and international telecommunications).
No
Not Applicable
Generally, the minimum speed requirements range from 25/3 Mbps to 1 Gbps/500 Mbps, though in certain instances, speed requirements are 10/1 Mbps, 4/1 Mbps or lower. The maximum latency is either 100ms or 750 ms with MOS of 4 or less; and the minimum usage requirement is either based on the U.S. Average or at least 2 TB.
Facilities-based providers of voice and broadband services, either fixed or mobile, that have been designated as “eligible telecommunications carriers.”
Not Applicable
Eligible Telecommunications Carriers are eligible to receive High Cost support which is used to provide residences and small businesses in rural, insular, and high cost areas services that are reasonably comparable to those services provided in urban areas and that are available at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in urban areas.
- https://www.fcc.gov/general/universal-service-high-cost-areas-connect-america-fund
- https://www.usac.org/high-cost/annual-requirements/submit-data-in-the-hubb/
- https://www.usac.org/high-cost/resources/fund-verification-reviews/
- https://www.usac.org/high-cost/annual-requirements/performance-measures-testing/
- https://www.fcc.gov/general/universal-service-high-cost-areas-connect-america-fund
- https://www.fcc.gov/auction/903
- https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904
- https://www.usac.org/high-cost/resources/fcc-rural-broadband-accountability-plan/
- https://data.usac.org/publicreports/caf-map/
- https://opendata.usac.org/High-Cost/High-Cost-Funding-Disbursement-Search/cegz-dzzi
FCC, Wireline Competition Bureau, Telecommunications Access Policy Division: (202) 418-7400
https://www.usac.org/high-cost/contact-us/
Ruralbroadbandauctions@fcc.gov
March 2023