FCC Rejects All Petitions for Enhanced A-CAM Program Reconsideration

In early April, the FCC dismissed five petitions seeking changes to the Enhanced A-CAM program, which provides funding for rural broadband deployment. The Commission maintained its technology-neutral stance, rejecting a petition from Michigan townships demanding fiber-only deployments despite concerns that DSL implementations would render locations ineligible for BEAD program funding, which prioritizes fiber.

The Commission defended this decision by explaining that requiring fiber would reduce the total number of locations receiving Enhanced A-CAM support, placing greater demands on limited BEAD funding. The FCC also denied NTCA and coalition requests to extend deployment deadlines from December 2028 to December 2030, stating that such delays would "significantly lessen the benefits for consumers in Enhanced A-CAM areas."

Additional rejected petitions included a request for 60-day deadlines on coverage challenge adjudications, NTCA's proposal to support locations with separate service commitments, and a coalition of RDOF winners' attempt to redirect funding to their program, which they've repeatedly sought due to pandemic-related cost increases.