Defer USF High-Cost Programs Until IIJA Programs 'Distributed and Evaluated': AT&T

AT&T asked the FCC to "not advance new high-cost fixed or mobile broadband deployment programs or extend existing programs" until the recent funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is "distributed and evaluated." The request came in a meeting with Office of Economics and Analytics and Office of General Counsel staff, per an ex parte filing posted Thursday in docket 21-476 (see 2206060065). It's "too early to know how or where states and other federal agencies will utilize this funding," AT&T said, but the "unprecedented level of funding cannot be ignored."