TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS) recently announced that it has elected to receive Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) support from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). TDS has communicated to the FCC it will accept the offers in 24 states it serves. The federal broadband program, which is being extended and enhanced to provide additional funding for rural broadband, requires the deployment of at least 100/20 Mbps internet service to consumers who lack that service today.
The Madison-based telecommunications company has been part of the ACAM program since its inception in 2016. The extended program requires TDS to deploy high-speed internet to more than 270,000 locations with about 40% of unserved addresses not receiving federal support. The E-ACAM program supports TDS’ ability to make long-term investments to improve rural broadband by providing predictable support over 15 years, while aligning network deployment requirements with the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program.
