At its April 23, 2014, Open Meeting, the FCC took several actions designed to expand robust broadband offerings in rural areas. The FCC said that its plans for Phase II of the Connect America Fund (CAF) would result in a nearly 70% increase in annual support for broadband and voice service in areas served by the price cap incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) and would expand broadband access to an additional 5 million Americans. Over five years, Phase II of the CAF will provide nearly $9 billion to expand broadband in rural areas.
