Letter by NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association in 10-90
The Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) relies on engineering assumptions and cost inputs finalized in 2014, which no longer reflect current market conditions for rural broadband deployment. A 2026 survey of 87 rural carriers reveals that reported costs for critical components such as pole materials, excavation through hard rock, and fiber cable installation significantly exceed the model's defaults, with some items costing over three times the assumed rates. Network architecture has also evolved, with the majority of carriers now deploying XGS-PON technology and utilizing smaller splitter ratios than the G-PON model assumes. General inflation indices fail to accurately capture these disparities, as cost increases vary widely by material type, labor category, and terrain conditions.
- Submission type
- LETTER
- Filers
- NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association
- Proceedings
- 10-90 In the Matter of Connect America Fund A National Broadband Plan for Our Future High-Cost Universal Service Support. .26-96 Reforming the High-Cost Program for an All-IP Future
- Submitted
- Nov 9, 2026, 3:55 PM ET
- Disseminated
- Nov 10, 2026, 11:00 AM ET