WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Today, Frontier Communications (NASDAQ:FTR) accepted offers from the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) totaling more than $283 million
in annual Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II support to deploy
broadband to more than 650,000 high-cost rural locations throughout its
28-state service area.
Dan McCarthy, Frontier Communications’ President and CEO, said "Frontier
is a broadband company focused on delivering the life-changing benefits
of broadband across our entire service area. CAF Phase II is a critical
next step in delivering broadband service – and the major economic
benefits associated with it – to rural America. We have reviewed the
FCC’s CAF Phase II rules and offers and look forward to partnering with
the FCC to achieve our common goal of increased broadband access for
rural America. We have decided to accept the CAF Phase II funding more
than two months before the formal August 27 deadline because we are
eager to start building the infrastructure necessary to provide service
to these markets as soon as possible."
The FCC established the CAF in 2011 to facilitate broadband deployment
to the millions of American living in rural areas without access to
broadband infrastructure. In 2012 and 2013, the FCC issued CAF Phase I,
one-time interim support for deployment of broadband access to unserved
and underserved locations. Frontier participated in that round of
funding and invested $133 million of CAF Phase I funding in addition to
its own capital to deploy or upgrade broadband service to nearly 200,000
locations. This additional support will enable Frontier to continue
accelerating broadband deployment across its footprint.
Frontier Communications' investments over the past four years have made
broadband service available to more than 1.1 million new households
throughout the company's service areas. In addition to enabling
first-time broadband access to previously unserved households, Frontier
has made significant investments in broadband speeds and services for
all of its customers. Frontier has also introduced simplified broadband
offerings and bundled service packages that provide customers with
choice and affordable options. CAF Phase II funding will enable Frontier
to continue expanding these offerings to additional areas in its markets.
About FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS
Frontier Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: FTR) offers broadband,
voice, video, wireless Internet data access, data security solutions,
bundled offerings, specialized bundles for residential customers, small
businesses and home offices and advanced communications for medium and
large businesses in 28 states. Frontier's approximately 17,800 employees
are based entirely in the United States. More information is available
at www.frontier.com.
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Frontier Communications
Steve Crosby, 916-206-8198
steven.crosby@ftr.com
Source: Frontier Communications