The FCC has authorized over $89 million in Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF-II) funding to six companies, including Viasat, to bring broadband to approximately 123,000 unserved rural homes and businesses across 21 states. Last year’s CAF-II reverse auction (Auction 903) allocated $1.488 billion of support to bring 10/1 Mbps or better broadband service and voice service to over 700,000 unserved locations (i.e., homes and businesses) over a 10-year term. After eight waves of funding, nearly $1.2 billion has been authorized for 541,733 locations with the remaining funds being authorized on a rolling basis. Auction 903 winners must build out to 40% of funded locations within three years increased by at least 20% in each subsequent year until buildout is completed by the end of the year six.
