Today's Regulatory Mix:  FCC Authorizes $2.6 M In CAF Funding For Broadband Service in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Kansas Extends Prohibition on Disconnections for Non-Payment Due to COVID-19 Emergency

FCC Authorizes $2.6 M In CAF Funding For Broadband Service in Northwestern Pennsylvania 

The FCC announced it has awarded Armstrong Telecommunications $2,642,413 in funding over ten years to expand broadband in rural northwestern Pennsylvania.  The monies will allow Armstrong to provide broadband at speeds of at least 1 Gbps/500 Mbps to an estimated 1,949 unserved rural homes and businesses in Crawford, Erie, and Mercer counties. This announcement brings the total Connect America Fund Phase II auction support for Pennsylvania to $36,655,925 for 9,673 locations.  The specific funding amounts are detailed below.  

FCC Chairman Pai issued a statement saying: “Getting gigabit-speed broadband to rural communities in northwestern Pennsylvania will make a real difference in the region,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.  “Nearly 2,000 rural homes and businesses that don’t currently have broadband service will get connected to some of the highest speed internet available through this support.  I’m glad the FCC can help bridge the digital divide in rural Pennsylvania, and we look forward to continuing to find ways to make a difference in these communities.” 

Kansas Extends Prohibition on Disconnections for Non Payment Due to COVID-19 Emergency

The Kansas Corporation Commission (Commission) has extended the duration of its order prohibiting public utilities under its authority (IXCs and LECs) from disconnecting service for non-payment during the COVID-19 emergency.  Accordingly, the suspension of the practice of disconnecting service for non-payment will remain in effect until May 15, 2020.

 Inteserra  Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 4/14/20.

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.