The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has changed the rules for letters of credit (LOCs) required for recipients of high-cost support under the Universal Service Fund programs. Previously, banks needed a specific safety rating to issue LOCs, but now they must be “well capitalized” according to federal bank standards. This change aims to make it easier for companies to secure LOCs, which are necessary to ensure rapid broadband deployment. Additionally, the FCC is allowing recipients to reduce the value of their LOCs faster if they meet certain deployment milestones, freeing up funds for more broadband expansion.
Simple Explanation
The FCC changed the rules so that companies can get help faster for building internet in hard-to-reach places by making it easier for them to get special bank promises called "letters of credit."