The FCC recently announced that it is releasing an additional $36 million annually for 175 small rural carriers throughout the country, partially compensating for the initial program shortfall which was estimated at $110 million annually. The additional funding was calculated on supporting all locations with costs above $52.50, up to a per-location cap of $146.10. The Commission also kicked-off round two of its Connect America Fund II auction with almost $2 billion available over ten years to not only ILECs but now cable operators and other providers as well.