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.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150616006082/en/
Frontier Communications
Steve Crosby, 916-206-8198
steven.crosby@ftr.com
Source: Frontier Communications
News Provided by Acquire Media