Connect America Fund (Caf) Tenders

The Connect America Fund (CAF) -part of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF) High Cost program – aims to close the digital divide in rural America and ensure that consumers in underserved and unserved areas have access to modern communications networks and services. CAF provides funding to telecommunications companies to support the deployment of high-speed internet and voice services to rural areas that are not served by traditional wireline or wireless providers. The program provides financial support for the construction of new broadband infrastructure, such as fiber optic cables, as well as the maintenance and upgrading of existing networks. The program is funded through the Universal Service Fund, which is supported by fees paid by telecommunications companies and other service providers. CAF has several different funding mechanisms, including the Auction and Alternative Connect America Cost Model, which provide financial support to companies that agree to serve specific rural areas with high-speed internet and voice services.