Rosenworcel Circulates Enhanced ACAM Proposal

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated an order Friday that would create an Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM) program, said a news release. The item would require participating providers to deploy 100/20 Mbps or faster service to all locations in return for an extension of the program and an "incremental increase in support for expensive-to-serve areas." Rosenworcel also circulated a rulemaking and notice of inquiry that would seek comment on "further reforms to the legacy rate-of-return system and methods" for modifying the program to "support ongoing expenses for broadband networks." The high-cost programs "have a track record of supporting networks that connect remote communities across the country,” Rosenworcel said, but "to keep pace with the demand for reliable broadband and meet the needs of consumers today and into the future, we need to optimize these programs to bring higher speeds and greater bandwidth to consumers.”