FCC Gives BARConnects ETC Status for Rural Broadband Experiment in Virginia
The FCC Wireline Bureau granted BARConnects eligible telecom carrier (ETC) status in 64 Census blocks in Virginia, clearing a hurdle to the company's participation in a rural broadband experiment funded by USF support. In an order released Friday, the bureau…
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said it would "shortly release a public notice announcing its readiness to authorize rural broadband experiment support for BARConnects as a provisionally selected bidder." The bureau also granted BARConnects a waiver and request for extension of time to file proof of its ETC designation. BARConnects committed to deploying a fiber broadband network with voice service and data speeds of up to 100/25 Mbps, including at least one service plan that offers 25/5 Mbps to all eligible locations, the order said. Monday, the bureau issued an order giving Northeast Rural Services an extension to submit as timely filed a letter-of-credit commitment letter after a May 4 deadline. Due to banking complexities, CoBank didn't issue the commitment letter until June 12, the bureau indicated. The bureau recently authorized NRS to receive about $884,000 to carry out four rural broadband experiments reaching 335 "covered locations" in Oklahoma.