PUBLIC NOTICE
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
DA 16-1328
Released:  December 1, 2016
INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ACCESS CHARGE FILINGS INTRODUCING BROADBAND-
ONLY LOOP SERVICE FOR CARRIERS CONSIDERING ELECTING A-CAM SUPPORT
WC Docket No. 16-317
This Public Notice provides further instructions to rate-of-return regulated incumbent local 
exchange carriers (LECs) regarding access charge tariff filings introducing Consumer Broadband-only 
Loop service.  Rate-of-return LECs choosing to offer Consumer Broadband-only Loop service beginning
January 3, 2017, whether on a tariffed or detariffed basis, are required to file pertinent access charge 
tariffs and/or Tariff Review Plan (TRP) worksheets on December 19, 2016 or December 27, 2016, 
depending on the type of changes proposed.
1
On November 2, 2016, the Wireline Competition Bureau announced that 216 rate-of-return 
companies had submitted letters electing 274 separate offers of Alternative Connect America Cost Model 
(A-CAM) support in 43 states.
2
  The Bureau totaled the amount of model-based support for electing 
carriers and determined that model-based support and transition payments would exceed the overall 10-
year budget set by the Commission by more than $160 million annually.
3
  The Bureau requested input on 
what measure or combination of measures should be considered to address the high level of interest in A-
CAM model-based support.
4
  The record submitted is currently under consideration.
Because consideration of this record is ongoing, the list of carriers to be authorized to receive A-
CAM support will not be finalized in time to prepare for the December filing.  Accordingly, all rate-of-
return LECs that wish to introduce Consumer Broadband-only Loop service, including those that elected 
the initial offer of A-CAM support, should prepare and file information assuming that they will be 
receiving Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS) rather than model-based support
as of January 1, 2017.  We recognize that support will change for those carriers that ultimately are 
                                                     
1
See Access Charge Tariff Filings Introducing Broadband-only Loop Service, Order, Docket No. 16-317, 33 FCC 
Rcd 11017 (WCB Oct. 6, 2016) (Broadband-only Loop Service TRP Order); see also Access Charge Tariff Filings 
Introducing Broadband-only Loop Service, Order on Reconsideration, Docket No. 16-317 (WCB Nov. 4, 2016).
2
See Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Results of Rate-of-Return Carriers That Accepted Offer of Model 
Support, Public Notice, Docket No. 10-90 (WCB Nov. 2, 2016).
3
Id.
4
Id.
2authorized to receive A-CAM support.  Further detail regarding the implementation of any requirements 
for such carriers will be provided once those carriers are authorized to receive such support.
5
For further information, please contact either Robin Cohn or Douglas Slotten, Pricing Policy 
Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, at (202) 418-1540.
- FCC -
                                                     
5
Because different requirements apply depending on whether a carrier elects CAF BLS or model-based support, rate 
and/or support adjustments may be appropriate once the elections are finalized.  Carriers electing support under the 
Alaska Plan (see 47 CFR § 54.306) shall implement such elections consistent with receiving such support.  See
Connect America Fund et al., Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket No. 10-90 
et al., 31 FCC Rcd 10139, 10154-55, para. 46 (2016).