More than 48,000 rural households and businesses in Alabama will have access to high-speed Internet services, global technology company CenturyLink announced today.
CenturyLink said it has accepted nearly three dozen Federal Communications Commission's Connect America Fund (CAF) phase II statewide offers, which feature speeds of at least 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and one Mbps upload in high-cost census blocks designated by the FCC. The complete plan will affect 1.2 million households and businesses in 33 states.
The company said it will accept $500 million annually for six years. Click here to see an FCC map with eligible areas of Alabama.
Kevin McCarter, CenturyLink east region president, said CenturyLink will "bridge the urban-rural divide" by bringing broadband services to rural Alabama communities, prompting more economic development, education and healthcare service, such as distance learning and telemedicine.
"While CAF II funding does not address all markets in our footprint, our company investment for CAF II is significant, and we look forward to working closely with Alabama policymakers to find funding and deployment solutions for additional markets," he said in a statement.
The build-out plan is in the process of being finalized and is expected to take place over a six-year period. Construction should begin early next year.
Kathy Johnson, director of Alabama's Office of Broadband Development, said CenturyLink's efforts mesh with Gov. Robert Bentley's vision for more access to and use of broadband Internet.
"Through broadband, communities can attract and retain well-paying jobs, provide access to education and healthcare, provide improved public safety and enhance the quality of life in areas that are currently unserved or underserved with this service," she said.
CenturyLink said it declined CAF II statewide offers for California, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Wyoming. The company, which has 55 North American data centers and a large U.S. fiber network, previously accepted $75 million in interim CAF I support for nearly 114,000 rural locations in 33 of the 37 states where it offers residential broadband service.