FCC adopts additional funding for rural broadband

The Federal Communications Commission at their December open meeting took action on a critical rural broadband item important to TDS Telecom and its customers.

The following statement can be attributed to Jim Butman, president and CEO of TDS Telecommunications:

“Today, the FCC further recognized the importance of investing in rural broadband services by adopting an Order offering additional funding to carriers, such as TDS Telecom, who currently receive model-based Universal Service support in exchange for deploying broadband services at increased speeds of 25/3 Mbps.

“The additional funding the FCC voted on today will give rural providers such as TDS Telecom much needed additional investment in the type of remote, hard-to-serve areas we serve. We look forward to reviewing and analyzing the specific details of today’s decision.

“Over the last 24 months, TDS Telecom has worked with FCC Commissioners, their staff and federal trade associations to create a plan to allow for further expansion of rural networks served by rate-of-return companies, including TDS.

“The FCC, under Commissioner Ajit Pai, along with his bi-partisan colleagues should be commended for advancing the interests of rural broadband consumers with their actions today.”