Rural Carriers Ask FCC to Update CAF BLS Mechanism

The Southeastern Rural Broadband Alliance asked the FCC to update the Connect America Fund broadband loop support (CAF BLS) mechanism as it considers modifications to the Alternative Connect America Model program. The group said in a meeting with an aide to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Wireline Bureau staff that doing so will "harmonize federal funding to achieve the nation’s goal of ensuring universal access to broadband and closing the digital divide in a coordinated fashion," per an ex parte filing posted Wednesday in docket 10-90. The alliance also asked the FCC to consider adopting a "voluntary incentive option" for CAF BLS recipients, saying it would "ensure that all serviceable locations have access to 100/20 Mbps broadband."