FCC OKs Hawaiian Telcom, TDS CAF II Waivers

FCC Wireline Bureau staff granted Hawaiian Telcom and TDS requests to waive Connect America Fund Phase II buildout obligations and reporting requirements, said an order in Wednesday's Daily Digest. Hawaiian Telcom may count 370 of the 391 locations destroyed by Kilauea Volcano eruptions in 2018 (see 2009140050) toward its interim and remaining milestones, it said. TDS received a waiver for its service requirements because TDS said it can't meet its obligations due to the pandemic-related restrictions and expects to complete its buildout by July 1. The FCC directed TDS to report to the Universal Service Administrative Co. when it completes its buildout, or provide a status report if it's unable to meet the expected milestone.