Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-K

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☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

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☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

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Commission file number 000-51446

CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (217) 235-3311

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

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Yes ☐ No ☒

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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

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Yes ☐ No ☒

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

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Yes ☒ No ☐

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

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Yes ☒ No ☐

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

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Yes ☐ No ☒

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As of June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of the shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant’s common stock was $639,629,085 based on the closing price as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The market value calculations exclude shares held on the stated date by registrant’s directors and officers on the assumption such shares may be shares owned by affiliates. Exclusion from these public market value calculations does not necessarily conclude affiliate status for any other purpose.

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On February 28, 2022, the registrant had 113,612,846 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent stated herein. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART I

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Note About Forward-Looking Statements

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions.  Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those relating to the impact on future revenue sources, pending and future regulatory orders, continued expansion of the telecommunications network and expected changes in the sources of our revenue and cost structure resulting from our entrance into new markets, are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, our current expectations, plans, strategies and anticipated financial results.  There are a number of risks, uncertainties and conditions that may cause the actual results of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Consolidated,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  Many of these circumstances are beyond our ability to control or predict.  Moreover, forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions on our part.  These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue” or similar expressions.  All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements that appear throughout this report.  A detailed discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in Part I – Item 1A – “Risk Factors”. Furthermore, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of the date they are made.  Except as required under federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the SEC, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements.  

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Item 1. Business.

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Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. is a Delaware holding company with operating subsidiaries that provide a wide range of communication solutions to consumer, commercial and carrier channels across a service area in over 20 states.  We were founded in 1894 as the Mattoon Telephone Company.  After several acquisitions, the Mattoon Telephone Company was incorporated as the Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company in 1924.  We were incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 2002, and through our predecessors, we have been providing communication services in many of the communities we serve for more than 125 years.

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In addition to our focus on organic growth in our commercial and carrier channels, we have achieved business growth and diversification of revenue and cash flow streams that have created a strong platform for future growth through our acquisitions over the last 15 years.  Through this strategic expansion, we have positioned our business to provide competitive services in rural, suburban and metropolitan markets spanning the country. Marking a pivotal moment for Consolidated, in 2020, we entered into a strategic investment with an affiliate of Searchlight Capital Partners L.P. (“Searchlight”). We also completed a global debt refinancing concurrently with the strategic investment, which in combination provides us with greater flexibility to support our fiber expansion and growth plans.  The strategic investment offered an immediate capital infusion, delivering significant benefits to the customers and communities we serve, and creating a stronger and more resilient company that is well-positioned to further expand and grow broadband services to meet ever-evolving customer needs.

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We are closely monitoring the impact on our business of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. For a discussion of the risks related to COVID-19, refer to Part I - Item 1A – “Risk Factors” and for a discussion of the impacts of COVID-19 on our business, refer to Part II - Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report in Part II – Item 8 – “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.

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Description of Our Business

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Consolidated is a broadband and business communications provider offering a wide range of communication solutions to consumer, commercial and carrier customers by leveraging our advanced fiber network, which spans approximately 52,400 fiber route miles across many rural areas and metro communities.  We offer residential high-speed Internet, video, phone and home security services as well as multi-service residential and small business bundles.  Our business product suite

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includes: data and Internet solutions, voice, data center services, security services, managed and IT services, and an expanded suite of cloud services.  We provide wholesale solutions to wireless and wireline carriers and other service providers including data, voice, network connections and custom fiber builds and last mile connections. Consolidated is dedicated to turning technology into solutions, connecting people and enriching how our customers work and live.

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We generate the majority of our consolidated operating revenues primarily from monthly subscriptions to our broadband, data and transport services (collectively “broadband services”) marketed to residential and business customers. As consumer demands for bandwidth continue to increase, our focus is on expanding our fiber broadband services and upgrading data speeds in order to offer a highly competitive fiber product. Our investment in more competitive broadband speeds is critical to our long-term success.  With the initial investment from Searchlight and the concurrent debt refinancing in 2020, we are able to immediately begin the investment in our network to upgrade over five years approximately 1.6 million residential and small business premises to fiber-to-the-home/premise (“FTTP”) enabling multi-Gig symmetrical speeds. The fiber network investments will be made across seven states, including more than 1 million passings within our northern New England service areas. In 2021, we upgraded approximately 330,000 homes and small businesses and launched Fidium Fiber, our new consumer product. We plan to upgrade an additional 400,000 in 2022 and further expand Fidium Fiber in additional regions. By leveraging our existing dense core fiber network and an accelerated build plan, we will be able to significantly increase broadband speeds, expand our multi-Gig coverage and strategically extend our network across our strong existing commercial and carrier footprint to attract more on-net and near-net opportunities. As we invest in network upgrades, we believe we will see stable-to-improved trends in revenue growth and increased broadband penetration. We believe these fiber investments will help us future-proof our network and facilitate the continued transformation of Consolidated into a leading super-regional fiber communications service provider.

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Searchlight is a strategic partner in our execution of this investment and brings a differentiated perspective to our broadband-first strategy. They are an experienced broadband and fiber infrastructure investor and they bring significant experience investing in FTTP and broadband expansion. Through our partnership with Searchlight, we will pursue targeted investments in our business and future growth opportunities as we transform our company into a leading broadband and solutions provider and create long-term value for our investors, customers and employees.

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A discussion of factors potentially affecting our operations is set forth in Part I – Item 1A – “Risk Factors”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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Recent Business Developments

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On December 7, 2021, we closed on the second stage of the investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) entered into in September 2020 with Searchlight, a global private equity firm.  In connection with the Investment Agreement, affiliates of Searchlight have invested an aggregate of $425.0 million in the Company in exchange for a combination of the Company’s Series A perpetual preferred stock and approximately 35% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  The investment commitment was structured in two stages, with the initial investment of $350.0 million occurring in October 2020 in conjunction with the Company’s global refinancing. In the second stage, upon receipt of Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and Hart Scott Rodino approvals and the satisfaction of certain other customary closing conditions, Searchlight invested an additional $75.0 million on December 7, 2021. We believe that our strategic investment with Searchlight will enable us to accelerate our growth plan, expand our fiber infrastructure and invest in high-growth and competitive areas of our business.  See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report in Part II – Item 8 – “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion of this transaction.

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Sources of Revenue

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The following tables summarize our sources of revenue and key operating statistics for the last three fiscal years:

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Key Operating Statistics

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The telecommunications industry continues to incur increased competition as a result of technology changes, new and emerging providers, and legislative and regulatory developments. Our focus is on expanding our fiber broadband services and upgrading data speeds in order to offer a highly competitive fiber product.  We expect our broadband services revenue to continue to grow as we make increased investments in our fiber infrastructure and the consumer demands for data-based services and faster speeds increase. In addition, we continue to focus on commercial growth opportunities and are continually expanding our commercial product offerings for small, medium and large businesses to capitalize on industry technological advances. The expected growth in fiber broadband services will mitigate, in part, the anticipated reduction in the subsidies we receive and declines in traditional voice services impacted by the ongoing industry-wide reduction in access lines.

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Commercial and Carrier

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Data and Transport Services

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We provide a variety of business communication solutions to commercial customers of all sizes, including voice and data services over our advanced fiber network. The services we offer include scalable high-speed broadband Internet access and Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) phone services, which range from basic service plans to virtual hosted systems. Our hosted VoIP package utilizes soft switching technology and enables our customers to have the flexibility of employing new telephone advances and features without investing in a new telephone system. The package bundles local service, calling features, Internet protocol (“IP”) business telephones and unified messaging, which integrates multiple messaging technologies into a single system and allows the customer to receive and listen to voice messages through email.

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In addition to Internet and VoIP services, we also offer a variety of commercial data connectivity services in select markets including Ethernet services; private line data services; software defined wide area network (“SD-WAN”), a software-based network technology that provides a simplified management and automation of wide area network (“WAN”) connections; multi-protocol label switching (“MPLS”). Our networking services include point-to-point and multi-point deployments from 2.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps to accommodate the growth patterns of our business customers.  We offer a suite of cloud-

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based services, which includes a hosted unified communications solution that replaces the customer’s on-site phone systems and data networks, managed network security services and data protection services.

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Data center and disaster recovery solutions provide a reliable and local colocation option for commercial customers. We also offer wholesale services to regional and national interexchange and wireless carriers, including cellular backhaul and other fiber transport solutions with speeds up to 100 Gbps.  The demand for backhaul services continue to grow as wireless carriers are faced with escalating consumer and commercial demands for wireless data.  

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Voice Services

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Voice services include basic local phone and long-distance service packages for business customers. The plans include options for voicemail, conference calling, linking multiple office locations and other custom calling features such as caller ID, call forwarding, speed dialing and call waiting.  Services can be charged at a fixed monthly rate, a measured rate or can be bundled with selected services at a discounted rate.

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Other

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Other services include business equipment sales and related hardware and maintenance support, video services and other miscellaneous revenues, including 911 service revenues. We are a full service 911 provider and have installed and maintained two turn-key, state of the art statewide next-generation emergency 911 systems. These systems, located in Maine and Vermont, have processed several million calls relying on the caller's location information for routing. As of October 29, 2020, we were no longer the 911 service provider in Vermont.  Next-generation emergency 911 systems are an improvement over traditional 911 and are expected to provide the foundation to handle future communication modes such as texting and video.

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Consumer

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Broadband Services

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Broadband services include revenues from residential customers for subscriptions to our VoIP and data products. We offer high-speed Internet access at speeds of up to 1 Gbps, depending on the network facilities that are available, the level of service selected and the location.  Our data service plans also include wireless internet access, email and internet security and protection. Our VoIP digital phone service is also available in certain markets as an alternative to the traditional telephone line. We offer multiple voice service plans with customizable calling features and voicemail including voicemail to email options. CCiTV, which is a customizable, cloud-enabled video service available in certain markets, supports a wide variety of viewing habits and provides an app-based approach to video services. The content can be delivered in high-definition quality to a big-screen TV, as well as to tablets and mobile devices.

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Video Services

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Depending on geographic market availability, our video services range from limited basic service to advanced digital television, which includes several plans, each with hundreds of local, national and music channels including premium and Pay-Per-View channels as well as video on-demand service.  Certain customers may also subscribe to our advanced video services, which consist of high-definition television, digital video recorders (“DVR”) and/or a whole home DVR. Our Whole Home DVR allows customers the ability to watch recorded shows on any television in the home, record multiple shows simultaneously and utilize an intuitive on-screen guide and user interface.  Our TV Everywhere service available in certain markets, allows our video subscribers to watch their favorite shows, movies and livestreams on any device.  In addition, we offer several on-demand streaming TV services, which provide endless entertainment options.

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Voice Services

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We offer several different basic local phone service packages and long-distance calling plans, including unlimited flat-rate calling plans. The plans include options for voicemail and other custom calling features such as caller ID, call forwarding and call waiting. The number of local access lines in service directly affects the recurring revenue we generate from end users and continues to be impacted by the industry-wide decline in access lines.  We expect to continue to experience erosion in voice connections due to competition from alternative technologies, including our own competing VoIP product.

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Subsidies

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Subsidies consist of both federal and state subsidies, which are designed to promote widely available, quality broadband services at affordable prices with higher data speeds in rural areas.  Subsidies are funded by end user surcharges to which telecommunications providers, including local, long-distance and wireless carriers, contribute on a monthly basis. Subsidies are allocated and distributed to participating carriers monthly based upon their respective costs for providing local service. Similar to access charges, subsidies are regulated by the federal and state regulatory commissions. See Part I – Item 1 – “Regulatory Environment” below and Item 1A – “Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business” for further discussion regarding the subsidies we receive.

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Network Access Services

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Network access services include interstate and intrastate switched access, network special access and end user access.  Switched access revenues include access services to other communications carriers to terminate or originate long-distance calls on our network.  Special access circuits provide dedicated lines and trunks to business customers and interexchange carriers.  Certain of our network access revenues are based on rates set or approved by the federal and state regulatory commissions or as directed by law that are subject to change at any time.

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Other Products and Services

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Other products and services include revenues from telephone directory publishing, video advertising, billing and support services and other miscellaneous revenues such as revenue from our Public Private Partnership arrangements.  We have entered into numerous Public Private Partnership agreements with several towns in New Hampshire to build new FTTP Internet networks.  The new town networks provide broadband speeds of up to 1 Gbps to residential and commercial customers.  Public Private Partnerships are a key component of Consolidated’s commitment to expand rural broadband access.

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No one customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated operating revenues during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

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Wireless Partnerships

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In addition to our core business, we also derive a portion of our cash flow and earnings from investments in five wireless partnerships.  Wireless partnership investment income is included as a component of other income in the consolidated statements of operations.  Our wireless partnership investment consists of five cellular partnerships: GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (“Mobilnet South Partnership”), GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (“RSA #17”), Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership (“Pittsburgh SMSA”), Pennsylvania RSA No. 6(I) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(I)”) and Pennsylvania RSA No. 6(II) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(II)”).  

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Cellco Partnership (“Cellco”) is the general partner for each of the five cellular partnerships.  Cellco is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon Communications Inc.  As the general partner, Cellco is responsible for managing the operations of each partnership.

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We own 2.34% of the Mobilnet South Partnership.  The principal activity of the Mobilnet South Partnership is providing cellular service in the Houston, Galveston and Beaumont, Texas metropolitan areas.  We account for this investment at our initial cost less any impairment because fair value is not readily available for this investment.  Income is recognized only upon cash distributions of our proportionate earnings in the partnership.

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We own 20.51% of RSA #17, which serves areas in and around Conroe, Texas.  This investment is accounted for under the equity method.  Income is recognized on our proportionate share of earnings and cash distributions are recorded as a reduction in our investment.

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We own 3.60% of Pittsburgh SMSA, 16.67% of RSA 6(I) and 23.67% of RSA 6(II).  These partnerships cover territories that almost entirely overlap the markets served by our Pennsylvania Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (“ILEC”) and Competitive Local Exchange Carrier operations.  Because of our limited influence over Pittsburgh SMSA, we account for this investment at our initial cost less any impairment because fair value is not readily available for this investment.  RSA 6(I) and RSA 6(II) are accounted for under the equity method.

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For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recognized income of $41.8 million, $40.7 million and $37.7 million, respectively, and received cash distributions of $43.0 million, $41.5 million and $35.8 million, respectively, from these wireless partnerships.

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Network Architecture and Technology

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We have made significant investments in our technologically advanced telecommunications networks and continue to enhance and expand our network by deploying technologies to provide additional capacity to our customers.  As a result, we are able to deliver high-quality, reliable data, video and voice services in the markets we serve.  Our wide-ranging network and extensive use of fiber provide an easy reach into existing and new areas.  By bringing the fiber network closer to the customer premise, we can increase our service offerings, quality and bandwidth services.  Our existing network enables us to efficiently respond and adapt to changes in technology and is capable of supporting the rising customer demand for bandwidth in order to support the growing amount of wireless data devices in our customers’ homes and businesses.

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Our networks are supported by advanced 100% digital switches, with a core fiber network connecting all remote exchanges.  We continue to enhance our copper network to increase bandwidth in order to provide additional products and services to our marketable homes.  In addition to our copper plant enhancements, we have deployed fiber-optic cable extensively throughout our network, resulting in a 100% fiber backbone network that supports all of the inter-office and host-remote links, as well as the majority of business parks within our service areas.  In addition, this fiber infrastructure provides the connectivity required to provide broadband and long-distance services to our residential and commercial customers.  Our fiber network utilizes FTTP and fiber-to-the-node (“FTTN”) networks to offer bundled residential and commercial services.  

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We operate advanced fiber networks which we own or have entered into long-term leases for fiber network access.  At December 31, 2021, our fiber-optic network consisted of over 52,400 route-miles, which includes approximately 11,910 miles of FTTP deployments, approximately 21,350 route miles of fiber located in the northern New England area, approximately 3,910 miles of fiber network in Minnesota and surrounding areas, approximately 4,650 miles of fiber network in Texas including an expansion into the greater Dallas/Fort Worth market, approximately 1,740 route-miles of fiber-optic facilities in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, approximately 2,290 miles of fiber network in Illinois, approximately 1,150 route-miles of fiber optic facilities in California that cover large parts of the greater Sacramento metropolitan area and approximately 1,120 route-miles of fiber optic facilities in Kansas City that service the greater Kansas City area, including both Kansas and Missouri.  Our remaining network includes approximately 4,280 route-miles spanning across various states including portions of Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington.  

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As of December 31, 2021, we passed more than 2.7 million homes and have direct fiber connections to 14,981 on-net commercial building locations. We intend to continue to make strategic enhancements to our network including improvements in overall network reliability and increases to our broadband speeds.  We offer data speeds of up to 1 Gbps in select markets, and up to 100 Mbps in markets where 1 Gbps is not yet available, depending on the geographical region.  As part of the strategic investment and partnership with Searchlight, we plan to accelerate our fiber build plan and extend fiber coverage enabling multi-Gig data speeds to over 70% of our passings by 2025. The upgrades will be made primarily across seven states including more than 1 million passings within the northern New England service areas to significantly enhance our broadband speeds. Further network investments will enable us to continue to meet consumer demand for faster broadband speeds, symmetrical broadband and more bandwidth consumption as well as more effectively serve our commercial customers.

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Through our extensive fiber network, we also expect to be able to support the increased demand on wireless carriers for high-capacity transport services.  In all the markets we serve, we have launched initiatives to support fiber backhaul services to cell sites.  As of December 31, 2021, we had 3,628 cell sites in service and an additional 153 future sites pending completion.

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Sales and Marketing

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The key components of our overall marketing strategy include:

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We currently offer our services through customer service call centers, our website, commissioned sales representatives and third-party sales agents.  Our customer service call centers and dedicated sales teams serve as the primary sales channels for consumer, commercial and carrier services.  Our sales efforts are supported by digital media, direct mail, bill inserts, radio, television and internet advertising, public relations activities, community events and customer promotions. We sell our Gigabit consumer fiber broadband service using the brand known as Fidium Fiber, which was launched in November 2021 in select markets.  

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In addition to our customer service call centers, customers can contact us through our website, online chat and social media channels.  Our online customer portal enables customers to pay their bills, manage their accounts, order new services and utilize self-service help and support. Our priority is to continue enhancing our comprehensive customer care system in order to produce a high level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, which is important to our ability to reduce churn and generate recurring revenues.

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Business Strategies

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Transform our Company into a dominant fiber, gigabit broadband provider

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In 2020, in connection with the Searchlight investment, we announced plans to upgrade and expand our fiber network through a five-year build plan with construction beginning in early 2021. The build plan will include the upgrade of approximately 1.6 million passings to fiber enabling multi Gigabit-capable services to over 70% of our passings by 2025. In 2021, we built fiber to approximately 330,000 homes and small businesses enabling faster broadband speeds and in 2022, we plan to upgrade an additional 400,000 locations. This marks the biggest fiber deployment project in our Company’s history. Our strategy, supported by the Searchlight investment, is to meaningfully upgrade our residential and small business network in those service territories with a predominantly copper-based infrastructure to a FTTP network.  Of the planned upgrades, we expect that more than 1 million passings will be upgraded within the northern New England service areas.  We believe that the upgraded network will be capable of providing up to 10 Gbps of symmetrical broadband, which we believe will make us the only broadband provider in these markets capable of delivering 10 Gbps symmetrical broadband to consumers. In addition to best-in-class upload and download speeds, we believe the resulting network will offer better reliability, improved speed consistency, and a lower operating cost relative to competing broadband network technologies.  Given these benefits, we believe that our fiber deployment strategy will allow us to realize meaningful improvements in average revenue per user (“ARPU”), broadband subscriber penetration and customer retention.

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Continue to grow and invest in commercial and carrier services

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Our commercial and carrier strategy is built on leveraging our dense fiber network in key markets to offer IP-based products and services to our small and medium-sized business (“SMB”), enterprise and carrier customers. We will continue transitioning our customer base away from legacy TDM-based products to fiber and IP-based data and transport services, where we see significant opportunity to increase market share in our footprint. We will also make strategic network investments in both existing markets and edge-out locations to enhance our footprint and increase on-net and near-net opportunities. These builds will be focused on projects with high revenue visibility and attractive payback periods. Our carrier strategy entails leveraging our dense fiber network and long-term relationships in key markets to expand our carrier partnerships and grow small cell and fiber-to-the-tower connections. Investing not just in the network, but in these customer relationships, has been core to our success. Our growth strategy is also supported by the continuous evolution of our product offerings. We are regularly developing and enhancing our suite of managed and cloud services, increasing efficiency and enabling greater scalability and reliability for our business customers. We believe that by developing and investing in next-generation fiber-based products, we will be able to further support our customer needs for networking, communications, and collaboration services.

Improve the overall customer experience

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We continue to evaluate our operations in order to improve and enhance the overall customer experience for all customers. In conjunction with the five-year fiber build plan, we also expect to make significant investments in our back-office infrastructure. We expect our full transformation to occur over a multi-year period. Our planned enhancements include an improved customer portal where customers can manage all aspects of their service. We plan to launch expanded e-commerce, omnichannel customer service and self-service capabilities for all customer groups. We believe that our digital transformation projects will improve our order and install processes making the transition to our services more seamless than ever. Our sales process is also being redesigned in order to provide personalized sales channels and a dedicated care team for our fiber customers. We have a culture of delivering the highest quality customer service experience possible and plan to continue to make investments in our platforms in order to create a truly differentiated customer experience.

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Competition

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The telecommunications industry is subject to extensive competition, which has increased significantly in recent years.  Technological advances have expanded the types and uses of services and products available.  In addition, differences in the regulatory environment applicable to comparable alternative services have lowered costs for these competitors.  As a result, we face heightened competition but also have new opportunities to grow our broadband business.  Our competitors vary by market and may include other incumbent and competitive local telephone companies; cable operators offering video, data and VoIP products; wireless carriers; long distance providers; satellite companies; Internet service providers, fixed wireless Internet service providers (“WISPs”), online video providers and in some cases new forms of providers who are able to offer a broad range of competitive services.  We expect competition to remain a significant factor affecting our operating results and that the nature and extent of that competition will continue to increase in the future.  See Part I - Item 1A – “Risk Factors – Risks Relating to Our Business”.

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Depending on the market area, we compete against Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Mediacom, Armstrong, Suddenlink, First Light, NewWave Communications and a number of other carriers, in both the commercial and consumer markets. Our competitors offer traditional telecommunications services as well as IP-based services and other emerging data-based services. Our competitors continue to add features and adopt aggressive pricing and packaging for services comparable to the services we offer.

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We continue to face competition from cable, wireless and other fiber data providers as the demand for substitute communication services, such as wireless phones and data devices, continues to increase.  Customers are increasingly foregoing traditional telephone services and land-based Internet service and relying exclusively on wireless service.  Wireless companies are aggressively developing networks using next-generation data technologies, including 4G and 5G, in order to provide increasingly faster data speeds to their customers. Broadband-deployment funding initiatives from federal and state agencies, including federal infrastructure legislation enacted in 2021, may also result in other service providers deploying new subsidized fiber networks within our service territories. In addition, the expanded availability for free or lower cost services, such as video over the Internet, complimentary Wi-Fi service and other streaming devices has increased competition among other providers.  In order to offer competitive services, we continue to invest in our network and business operations in order to offer new and enhanced services including faster broadband speeds and cloud-enabled services.

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In our rural markets, services are more costly to provide than services in urban areas as a lower customer density necessitates higher capital expenditures on a per-customer basis.  As a result, it may not be economically viable for new entrants to overlap existing networks in rural territories; however, federal and state funding initiatives may enable new entrants to deploy new subsidized networks in our rural markets.  Despite the barriers to entry, rural telephone companies still face significant competition from wireless and video providers and, to a lesser extent, competitive telephone companies.

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Our other lines of business are subject to substantial competition from local, regional and national competitors.  In particular, our wholesale and transport business serves other interexchange carriers and we compete with a variety of service providers including incumbent and competitive local telephone companies and other fiber data companies. These services are subject to additional competitive pressures from the development of new technologies, which may result in price compression as customers migrate from legacy data products to lower priced alternatives.  For our business systems products, we compete with other equipment providers or value added resellers, network providers, incumbent and competitive local telephone companies, and with cloud and data hosting service providers.

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We expect that competition across all of our customer channels will continue to intensify as new technologies develop and new competition emerges.

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Human Capital Resources

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As of December 31, 2021, we employed approximately 3,200 employees, including part-time employees.  We also use temporary employees in the normal course of our business.  Approximately 48% of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements as of December 31, 2021.  For a more detailed discussion regarding how the collective bargaining agreements could affect our business, see Part I - Item 1A – Risk Factors – “Risks Relating to Our Business”.

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Compensation and Benefits

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Our employees are the cornerstone of our success.  We are committed to providing meaningful, challenging work and opportunities for professional growth in a positive environment. To attract and retain qualified and experienced employees, we offer competitive compensation and benefit packages, which we believe are competitive within the industry and the local markets in which we operate. Our benefit packages may include, among other items, incentive compensation based on the achievement of financial targets, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with an employer match, paid time off, and wellness and employee assistance programs. Additionally, for certain eligible directors and employees, we provide long-term incentive compensation, in the form of restricted stock awards. In addition, we are committed to providing employees continuing education and training programs in order for employees to achieve career goals and professional growth.

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Diversity and Inclusion

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We embrace diversity and inclusion and seek to hire and retain high-quality employees of all backgrounds and experiences. Honoring our employees as individuals is key to our culture. We believe diversity of backgrounds contributes to different ideas, which in turn drives better results for customers. We respect differences and diversity as qualities that enhance our efforts as a team and believe embracing diversity and a culture of inclusion makes our company a better place to work. We believe in and support the principles incorporated in all anti-discrimination and equal employment laws. In 2021, we offered leadership Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) training to senior leaders across the Company and formed a new DEI Council which is meeting regularly in 2022 and outlining the roadmap and goals for our Company’s DEI journey.

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Safety, Health and Security

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We also strive to create and provide a safe, healthful and secure workplace that is free from discrimination or harassment. Our workplace policies and procedures protect against behavior that creates an offensive, hostile, or intimidating work environment. Safety is top priority and we have a strong, ongoing commitment to ensure employees are properly trained and have appropriate safety and emergency equipment. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented safety protocols and procedures to protect our employees, customers and business partners. These procedures included transitioning as many employees as possible to remote work-from-home arrangements, providing additional safety training

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and personal protective equipment for customer and business partner-facing employees, and complying with social distancing and other health and safety measures as required by federal, state and local governmental agencies.

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Regulatory Environment

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The following summary does not describe all existing and proposed legislation and regulations affecting the telecommunications industry.  Regulation can change rapidly and ongoing proceedings and hearings could alter the manner in which the telecommunications industry operates.  We cannot predict the outcome of any of these developments, nor their potential impact on us.  See Part I – Item 1A – “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business”.

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Overview

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Our revenues, which include revenues from such telecommunications services as local telephone service, network access service and toll service are subject to broad federal and/or state regulations.  The telecommunications industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation.  Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecommunications Act”), federal and state regulators share responsibility for implementing and enforcing statutes and regulations designed to encourage competition and to preserve and advance widely available, quality telephone service at affordable prices.

At the federal level, the FCC generally exercises jurisdiction over facilities and services of local exchange carriers, such as our rural telephone companies, to the extent they are used to provide, originate or terminate interstate or international communications.  The FCC has the authority to condition, modify, cancel, terminate or revoke our operating authority for failure to comply with applicable federal laws or FCC rules, regulations and policies.  Fines or penalties also may be imposed for any of these violations.

State regulatory commissions generally exercise jurisdiction over carriers’ facilities and services to the extent they are used to provide, originate or terminate intrastate communications.  In particular, state regulatory agencies have substantial oversight over interconnection and network access by competitors of our rural telephone companies.  In addition, municipalities and other local government agencies regulate the public rights-of-way necessary to install and operate networks.  State regulators can sanction our rural telephone companies or revoke our certifications if we violate relevant laws or regulations.

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Federal Regulation

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Our incumbent local exchange companies and competitive local exchange companies must comply with the Communications Act of 1934, which requires, among other things, that telecommunications carriers offer services at just and reasonable rates and on non-discriminatory terms and conditions.  The 1996 amendments to the Communications Act (contained in the Telecommunications Act discussed below) dramatically changed, and likely will continue to change, the landscape of the industry.

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Access Charges

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On November 18, 2011, the FCC released its comprehensive order on inter-carrier compensation (“ICC”) and universal service reform.  Intrastate network access charges are regulated by state commissions.  The FCC order on ICC and universal service reform required terminating state access charges to mirror terminating interstate access charges, and as of July 1, 2013, all terminating switched intrastate access charges mirror interstate access charges.

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The FCC has structured these prices as a combination of flat monthly charges paid by customers and both usage-sensitive (per-minute) charges and flat monthly charges paid by long-distance or other carriers.

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The FCC regulates interstate network access charges by imposing price caps on Regional Bell Operating Companies (“RBOCs”) and other large incumbent telephone companies.  Some of our properties operate as RBOCs under price cap regulation while some operate under rate of return regulation for interstate purposes.  These price caps can be adjusted based on various formulas, such as inflation and productivity, and otherwise through regulatory proceedings.  Incumbent telephone companies, such as our incumbent local exchange companies, may elect to base network access charges on price caps, but are not required to do so.  

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We believe that price cap regulation gives us greater pricing flexibility for interstate services, especially in the increasingly competitive special access market.  It also provides us with the potential to increase our net earnings by becoming more productive and introducing new services.  As we have acquired new properties, we have converted them to federal price cap regulation.

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In recent years, carriers have become more aggressive in disputing the FCC’s interstate access charge rates and the application of access charges to their telecommunications traffic. We believe these disputes have increased, in part, because advances in technology have made it more difficult to determine the identity and jurisdiction of traffic, giving carriers an increased opportunity to challenge access costs for their traffic.  We cannot predict what other actions other long-distance carriers may take before the FCC or with their local exchange carriers, including our incumbent local exchange companies, to challenge the applicability of access charges.  Due to the increasing deployment of VoIP services and other technological changes, we believe these types of disputes and claims are likely to continue to increase.

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Unbundled Network Element Rules

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In 2019, the FCC issued two orders on Unbundled Network Element (“UNE”) forbearance.  The first order addressed wholesale discounts on resold services and Voice Grade analog UNE loops and the second order (“Transport Order”), addressed UNE transport between competitive wire centers.  Both orders provide a three-year transition period.

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The Transport Order addresses two separate but related topics.  One is the relief from transport UNEs and the other is to respond to a remand on its Business Data Services (“BDS”) order.  BDS was previously known as Special Access and like services.   The FCC broadly deregulated BDS services in 2017.  This decision was appealed and the Court upheld the order but vacated the BDS transport relief because the Court decided that the FCC had not provided sufficient notice intended to deregulate all BDS transport services.  The Court was convinced not to act on the vacated rules since the ILECs could not easily restore the regulated services.  The FCC addressed this issue in the same order used to provide forbearance relief on UNE transport.

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In 2020, Consolidated renegotiated its Wholesale Performance Plans (“WPP”) in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont to comply with the FCC’s UNE forbearance order issued in 2019.

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Promotion of Universal Service

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In general, telecommunications service in rural areas is costlier to provide than service in urban areas.  The lower customer density means that switching and other facilities serve fewer customers and loops are typically longer, requiring greater expenditures per customer to build and maintain.  By supporting the high cost of operations in rural markets, Universal Service Fund (“USF”) subsidies promote widely available, quality telephone service at affordable prices in rural areas.  Revenues from federal and certain states’ USFs totaled $69.7 million, $72.0 million and $72.4 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  

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FCC Access Charge and Universal Service Reform Order

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In November 2011, the FCC released a comprehensive order on access charge and universal service reform (the “Order”).  The access charge portion of the Order systematically reduces minute-of-use-based interstate access, intrastate access and reciprocal compensation rates over a six to nine-year period to an end state of bill-and-keep, in which each carrier recovers the costs of its network through charges to its own subscribers, rather than through ICC.  The reductions apply to terminating access rates and usage, with originating access to be addressed by the FCC in a later proceeding.  To help with the transition to bill-and-keep, the FCC created two mechanisms.  The first is an Access Recovery Mechanism (“ARM”) which is funded from the Connect America Fund (“CAF”), and the second is an Access Recovery Charge (“ARC”) which is recovered from end users.  The universal service portion of the Order redirects support from voice services to broadband services, and is now called the CAF.  

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The Order requires rate of return study areas associated with holding companies to be treated as price cap carriers for universal service funding.  For ICC purposes, these rate of return carriers fall under the rate of return ICC transition plan.  Price cap study areas fall under the price cap rules for both universal service reform and ICC reform.

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In December 2014, the FCC released a report and order that addressed, among other things, the transition to CAF Phase II funding for price cap carriers and the acceptance criteria for CAF Phase II funding.  Companies are required to commit to a statewide build out requirement of 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream in funded locations.

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Our annual support through the FCC’s CAF Phase II funding was $48.1 million through 2021 as described below.  The specific obligations associated with CAF Phase II funding included the obligation to serve approximately 124,500 locations by December 31, 2020 (with interim milestones of 40%, 60% and 80% completion by December 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively); to provide broadband service with speeds of 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream; to achieve latency of less than 100 milliseconds; to provide data of at least 100 gigabytes per month; and to offer pricing reasonably comparable to pricing in urban areas.  The Company met the buildout milestones and performance metrics requirements for 2017 through 2020 for all states where it received funding.

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We accepted CAF Phase II support in all of our operating states except Colorado and Kansas where we declined the offered CAF Phase II support.  We continued to receive annual frozen CAF Phase I support of $1.0 million in Colorado and Kansas until April 2019, when the FCC CAF Phase II auction assigned support to another provider.

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In April 2019, the FCC announced plans for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”), the next phase of the CAF program. The RDOF is a $20.4 billion fund to bring speeds of 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream to unserved and underserved areas of America.  The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking at their August 2019 Open Commission Meeting.  The order prioritizes terrestrial broadband as a bridge to rural 5G networks by providing a significant weight advantage to traditional broadband providers.  Funding will occur in two phases with the first phase auctioning $16.0 billion and the second phase auctioning $4.4 billion, each to be distributed over 10 years.  The minimum speed required to receive funding is 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. CAF Phase II funding was extended through December 31, 2021 for price cap holding companies.  The FCC issued the final census block groups with locations and reserve price. We filed the RDOF short form application on July 14, 2020 and were listed as a qualified bidder by the FCC on October 13, 2020 and participated in the auction.  The auction began on October 29, 2020 and ended on November 24, 2020. Consolidated won 246 census block groups serving in seven states. The bids we won are at the 1 Gbps downstream and 500 Mbps upstream speed tier to approximately 27,000 locations at a funding level of $5.9 million, which will result in a reduction of approximately $42.2 million in annual support beginning January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2031. Consolidated filed its long form application with supporting documents on January 29, 2021 and received final FCC approval on December 14, 2021.

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State Regulation

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We are subject to regulation by state governments in various states in which we operate.  State regulatory commissions generally exercise jurisdiction over intrastate matters and other requirements.   In recent years, most states have reduced their regulation of ILECs, including our ILEC operations. Nonetheless, state regulatory commissions generally continue to (i) set the rates that telecommunication companies charge each other for exchanging traffic, (ii) administer support programs designed to subsidize the provision of services to high-cost rural areas, (iii) regulate the purchase and sale of ILECs, (iv) require ILECs to provide service under publicly-filed tariffs setting forth the terms, conditions and prices of regulated services, (v) limit ILECs' ability to borrow and pledge their assets, (vi) regulate transactions between ILECs and their affiliates and (vii) impose various other service standards. In most states, switched and BDS and interconnection services are subject to price regulation, although the extent of regulation varies by type of service and geographic region.

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We operate in states where traditional cost recovery mechanisms, including state USF, are under evaluation or have been modified.  As the states continue to assess their laws and implement various regulations changes, there can be no assurance that these mechanisms will continue to provide us with the same level of cost recovery we historically received.

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Local Government Authorizations

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In the various states we operate in, we operate under a structure in which each municipality or other regulatory agencies may impose various fees, such as for the privilege of originating and terminating messages and placing facilities within the municipality, for obtaining permits for street opening and construction, and/or for operating franchises to install and expand fiber optic facilities.  

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Regulation of Broadband and Internet Services

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Video Services

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Our cable television subsidiaries each require a state or local franchise or other authorization in order to provide cable service to customers.  Each of these subsidiaries is subject to regulation under a framework that exists in Title VI of the Communications Act.

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Under this framework, the responsibilities and obligations of franchising bodies and cable operators have been carefully defined.  The law addresses such issues as the use of local streets and rights-of-way; the carriage of public, educational and governmental channels; the provision of channel space for leased commercial access; the amount and payment of franchise fees; consumer protection and similar issues.  In addition, Federal laws place limits on the common ownership of cable systems and competing multichannel video distribution systems, and on the common ownership of cable systems and local telephone systems in the same geographic area.  Many provisions of the federal law have been implemented through FCC regulations.  The FCC has expanded its oversight and regulation of the cable television-related matters recently.  In some cases, it has acted to assure that new competitors in the cable television business are able to gain access to potential customers and can also obtain licenses to carry certain types of video programming.

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Internet Services

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The provision of Internet access services is not significantly regulated by either the FCC or the state commissions.  The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has authority to regulate Internet Service Providers with respect to privacy and competitive practices.  In 2017, the FCC adopted an order eliminating its previous classification of Internet service as a telecommunications service regulated under Title II of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  This effectively limits the FCC’s authority over Internet Service Providers.  The FCC retained rules requiring Internet Service Providers to disclose practices associated with blocking, throttling and paid prioritization of Internet traffic.  The FCC order has been challenged in court and the outcome of the challenge cannot be determined at this time.  

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The outcome of pending matters before the FCC and the FTC and any potential congressional action cannot be determined at this time but could lead to increased costs for the Company in connection with our provision of Internet services, and could affect our ability to compete in the markets we serve.

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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Funding

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States are reviewing opportunities to use federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) funding to assist in the deployment of broadband to unserved and underserved areas within their respective states.  In 2020, New Hampshire allocated $50.0 million of CARES Act funding to fund broadband expansion to unserved and underserved locations throughout the state. Consolidated was granted up to $3.5 million to build high-speed Internet networks for homes and businesses in New Hampshire for the towns of Danbury, Springfield and Mason.  The state funded 10% upfront with the remainder received upon completion of projects in December 2020.  

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American Rescue Plan Act Funding

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President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) on March 11, 2021.  States have been allocated federal funds to be utilized for capital infrastructure, including broadband deployment, and are in various stages of implementation.  We are working with the states and municipalities, in which we operate, to participate in this broadband grant program.

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COVID-19

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On March 13, 2020, the FCC issued a pledge to Keep America Connected through May 13, 2020, which was later extended to June 30, 2020.  The pledge asked all communications providers to not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; to waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and to open their Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

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Consolidated signed on to the pledge through June 30, 2020.  Several states took the FCC pledge a step further by not allowing any carrier to disconnect service within their state during the Governors’ declared state of emergency, which Consolidated also supported.  Most state moratoriums on disconnections have expired; however, certain states such as Washington and New York were extended to July 31, 2021 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

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In February 2021, the FCC created the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (“EBB”), a temporary program to help low income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing broadband service discounts for eligible households.  Consolidated is a participant in this program.  The EBB ended on December 31, 2021.  EBB recipients fully enrolled as of December 31, 2021 automatically continued to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022 when the Affordable Connectivity Program took its place.

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Affordable Connectivity Program

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The Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) is a permanent broadband affordability program set up to replace the EBB.  The ACP program helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.  The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.  Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.  The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.  The program begins funding March 1, 2022.  Consolidated will be participating in this program.

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Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“Infrastructure Act”) passed on March 31, 2021 included $65.0 billion toward broadband.  The broadband internet portion of the Infrastructure Act is aimed at increasing internet coverage for more universal access, including for rural, low-income, and tribal communities.  65% of this funding is set aside specifically for underserved communities.  Additionally, this measure is designed to help make internet access more affordable and increase digital literacy.

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The Infrastructure Act set aside $42.5 billion for Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grants.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration administers the grant program and is in the process of soliciting comments before issuing final rules.

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Available Information

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Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on our website at www.consolidated.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  Our website also contains copies of our Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and charter of each committee of our Board of Directors.  The information found on our website is not part of this report or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC.  The public may read and copy reports, proxy and information statements and other information we file with the SEC at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

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Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

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Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described below, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the trading price of our common stock.

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Risks Relating to Our Business

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We expect to continue to face significant competition in all parts of our business and the level of competition could intensify among our customer channels.  The telecommunications industry is highly competitive.  We face actual and potential competition from many existing and emerging companies, including other incumbent and competitive local telephone companies, long-distance carriers and resellers, wireless companies, Internet service providers, satellite companies and cable television companies, and, in some cases, new forms of providers who are able to offer competitive

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services through software applications requiring a comparatively small initial investment. Due to consolidations and strategic alliances within the industry, we cannot predict the number of competitors we will face at any given time.

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The wireless business has expanded significantly and has caused many subscribers with traditional telephone and land-based Internet access services to give up those services and rely exclusively on wireless service.  In addition, consumers’ options for viewing television shows have expanded as content becomes increasingly available through alternative sources.  Some providers, including television and cable television content owners, have initiated Over-The-Top (“OTT”) services that deliver video content to televisions, computers and other devices over the Internet.  OTT services can include episodes of highly-rated television series in their current broadcast seasons.  They can also include original content and broadcast or sports content similar to those that we carry, but that is distinct and exclusively available through the alternative source.  Consumers can pursue each of these options without foregoing any of the other options.  We may not be able to successfully anticipate and respond to many of the various competitive factors affecting the industry, including regulatory changes that may affect our competitors and us differently, new technologies, services and applications that may be introduced, changes in consumer preferences, demographic trends, and discount or bundled pricing strategies by competitors.

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The incumbent telephone carriers in the markets we serve enjoy certain business advantages, including size, financial resources, favorable regulatory position, a more diverse product mix, brand recognition and connection to virtually all of our customers and potential customers. The largest cable operators also enjoy certain business advantages, including size, financial resources, ownership of or superior access to desirable programming and other content, a more diverse product mix, brand recognition and first-in-field advantages with a customer base that generates positive cash flow for its operations.  Our competitors continue to add features, increase data speeds and adopt aggressive pricing and packaging for services comparable to the services we offer.  Their success in selling services that are competitive with ours among our various customer channels could lead to revenue erosion in our business.  We face intense competition in our markets for long-distance, Internet access, video service and other ancillary services that are important to our business and to our growth strategy.  If we do not compete effectively we could lose customers, revenue and market share.

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We must adapt to rapid technological changes.  If we are unable to take advantage of technological developments, or if we adopt and implement them at a slower rate than our competitors, we may experience a decline in the demand for our services.  Our industry operates in a technologically complex environment.  New technologies are continually developed and existing products and services undergo constant improvement.  Emerging technologies offer consumers a variety of choices for their communication and broadband needs.  To remain competitive, we will need to adapt to future changes in technology to enhance our existing offerings and to introduce new or improved offerings that anticipate and respond to the varied and continually changing demands of our various customer channels.  Our business and results of operations could be adversely affected if we are unable to match the benefits offered by competing technologies on a timely basis and at an acceptable cost, or if we fail to employ technologies desired by our customers before our competitors do so.

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New technologies, particularly alternative methods for the distribution, access and viewing of content, have been, and will likely continue to be, developed that will further increase the number of competitors that we face and drive changes in consumer behavior.  Consumers seek more control over when, where and how they consume content and are increasingly interested in communication services outside of the home and in newer services in wireless Internet technology and devices such as tablets, smartphones and mobile wireless routers that connect to such devices. These new technologies, distribution platforms and consumer behaviors may have a negative impact on our business.

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In addition, evolving technologies can reduce the costs of entry for others, resulting in greater competition and significant new advantages for competitors. Technological developments could require us to make significant new capital investments in order to remain competitive with other service providers.  If we do not replace or upgrade our network and its technology on a timely basis, we may not be able to compete effectively and could lose customers.  We may also be placed at a cost disadvantage in offering our services. Technology changes are also allowing individuals to bypass telephone companies and cable operators entirely to make and receive calls, and to provide for the distribution and viewing of video programming without the need to subscribe to traditional voice and video products and services.  Increasingly, this can be done over wireless facilities and other emerging mobile technologies in addition to traditional wired networks.  Wireless companies are aggressively developing networks using next-generation data technologies, which are capable of delivering high-speed Internet service via wireless technology to a large geographic footprint.  As these technologies continue to expand in availability and reliability, they could become an effective alternative to our high-speed Internet services.  Although we use fiber optics in parts of our networks, including in some residential areas, we continue to rely on coaxial cable and copper transport media to serve customers in many areas.  The facilities we use to offer our video services,

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including the interfaces with customers, are undergoing a rapid evolution, and depend in part on the products, expertise and capabilities of third-parties.  If we cannot develop new services and products to keep pace with technological advances, or if such services and products are not widely embraced by our customers, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.

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Shifts in our product mix may result in a decline in operating profitability.  Margins vary among our products and services.  Our profitability may be impacted by technological changes, customer demands, regulatory changes, the competitive nature of our business and changes in the product mix of our sales.  These shifts may also result in our long-lived assets becoming impaired or our inventory becoming obsolete.  We review long-lived assets for potential impairment if certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may be present.  We currently manage potential inventory obsolescence through reserves, but future technology changes may cause inventory obsolescence to exceed current reserves.

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Public health threats, such as the recent outbreak of COVID-19, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and stock price.  We may face risks associated with public health threats or outbreaks of epidemic, pandemic or communicable diseases, such as the outbreak of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and its variants.  The COVID-19 pandemic has in the short-term and may in the long-term adversely impact the global economy, financial markets and supply chains and has resulted in increased unemployment levels.  The outbreak has resulted in federal, state and local governments implementing mitigation measures, including shelter-in-place orders, travel restrictions, limitations on business, school closures, vaccination and testing requirements and other measures. Governments have enacted fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to counteract the impacts of COVID-19.

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As a critical infrastructure provider, we have continued to operate our business and provide services to our customers.  Although we are considered an essential business, the outbreak of COVID-19 and any preventive or protective actions implemented by governmental authorities may have a material adverse effect on our operations, customers and suppliers and could do so for an indefinite period of time.  Adverse economic and market conditions as a result of COVID-19 could also adversely affect the demand for our products and services and may also impact the ability of our customers to satisfy their obligations to us. In addition, concerns regarding the economic impact of COVID-19 have caused volatility in financial and other capital markets which has and may continue to adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to access capital markets.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have transitioned a substantial number of our employees to telecommuting and remote work arrangements, which may increase the risk of a security breach or cybersecurity attack on our information technology systems that could impact our business.

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We cannot reasonably estimate at this time the resulting future financial impact of COVID-19 on our business, but the prolonged effect of it could have a material adverse effect to our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.  The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable, including the severity and duration of the outbreak, current and new variants of COVID-19, the availability and distribution of effective treatments and vaccines, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate its effects and any resulting economic downturn, recession or depression in the markets we serve.

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We receive cash distributions from our wireless partnership interests.  The amount and continued receipt of such future distributions is not guaranteed.  We own five wireless partnership interests consisting of 2.34% of GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership, which provides cellular service in the Houston, Galveston and Beaumont, Texas metropolitan areas; 3.60% of Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership, which provides cellular service in and around the Pittsburgh metropolitan area; 20.51% of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (“RSA #17”); 16.67% of Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(I)”) and 23.67% of Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(II)”).  RSA #17 provides cellular service to a limited rural area in Texas.  RSA 6(I) and RSA 6(II) provide cellular service in and around our Pennsylvania service territory.

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In 2021, 2020 and 2019, we received cash distributions from these partnerships of $43.0 million, $41.5 million and $35.8 million, respectively.  The cash distributions we receive from these partnerships are based on our percentage of ownership, the partnerships’ operating results, cash availability and financing needs as determined by the General Partner at the date of the distribution.  We cannot control the timing, amount or certainty of any future cash distributions from these partnerships.  If cash distributions from these partnerships are reduced or eliminated, our results of operations could be adversely affected, and as a result, our ability to fulfill our long-term obligations may be restricted.  

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We receive support from various funds established under federal and state laws, and the continued receipt of that support is not assured.  A significant portion of our revenues come from network access and subsidies.  An order adopted by the FCC in 2011 (the “Order”) significantly impacted the amount of support revenue we receive from the Universal Service Fund (“USF”), Connect America Fund (“CAF”) and intercarrier compensation (“ICC”).  The Order reformed core parts of the USF, broadly recast the existing ICC scheme, established the CAF to replace support revenues provided by the USF and redirected support from voice services to broadband services.  In 2012, CAF funding was implemented, which froze USF support to price cap carriers until the FCC implemented a broadband cost model to shift support from voice services to broadband services.  In 2020, the FCC adopted an order establishing the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the next phase of the CAF program, which will result in a reduction of approximately $42.2 million in the annual support we receive beginning January 1, 2022.  See Part I – Item 1 – “Regulatory Environment” above for statistics of current CAF funding levels.

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We receive subsidy payments from various federal and state universal service support programs, including high-cost support, Lifeline and E-Rate programs for schools and libraries.  The total cost of the various federal universal service programs has increased significantly in recent years, putting pressure on regulators to reform the programs and to limit both eligibility and support.  We cannot predict future changes that may impact the subsidies we receive.  However, a reduction in subsidies support may directly affect our profitability and cash flows.

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A disruption in our networks and infrastructure could cause service delays or interruptions, which could cause us to lose customers and incur additional expenses.  Our customers depend on reliable service over our network.  The primary risks to our network infrastructure include physical damage to lines, security breaches, capacity limitations, power surges or outages, software defects and disruptions beyond our control, such as natural disasters and acts of terrorism.  From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we experience short disruptions in our service due to factors such as physical damage, inclement weather and service failures of our third-party service providers.  We could experience more significant disruptions in the future.  Disruptions may cause service interruptions or reduced capacity for customers, either of which could cause us to lose customers and incur unexpected expenses.

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A cyber-attack may lead to unauthorized access to confidential customer, personnel and business information that could adversely affect our business.  Attempts by others to gain unauthorized access to organizations' information technology systems are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and are sometimes successful. These attempts may include covertly introducing malware to companies' computers and networks, impersonating authorized users or "hacking" into systems.  We seek to prevent, detect and investigate all security incidents that do occur, however we may be unable to prevent or detect a significant attack in the future.  Significant information technology security failures could result in the theft, loss, damage, unauthorized use or publication of our confidential business information, which could harm our competitive position, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, expose us to litigation or otherwise adversely affect our business.  If a security breach results in misuse of our customers' confidential information, we may incur liability as a result.

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Our operations require substantial capital expenditures and our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity may be impacted if funds for capital expenditures are not available when needed.  We require significant capital expenditures to maintain, upgrade and enhance our network facilities and operations.  While we have historically been able to fund capital expenditures from cash generated from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility, the other risk factors described in this section could materially reduce cash available from operations or significantly increase our capital expenditure requirements, which may result in our inability to fund the necessary level of capital expenditures to maintain, upgrade or enhance our network.  This could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

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If we cannot obtain and maintain necessary rights-of-way for our network, our operations may be interrupted and we could be faced with increased costs.  We are dependent on easements, franchises and licenses from various private parties, such as established telephone companies and other utilities, railroads, long-distance companies, state highway authorities, local governments and transit authorities for access to aerial pole space, underground conduits and other rights-of-way in order to construct and operate our networks.  Some agreements relating to rights-of-way may be short-term or revocable at will, and we cannot be certain that we will continue to have access to existing rights-of-way after the governing agreements terminate or expire.  If any of our right-of-way agreements were terminated or could not be renewed, we may be forced to remove, relocate or abandon our network facilities in the affected areas, which could interrupt our operations, force us to find alternative rights-of-way and incur unexpected capital expenditures.

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We may be unable to obtain necessary hardware, software and operational support from third-party vendors.  We depend on third-party vendors to supply us with a significant amount of hardware, software and operational support necessary to provide certain of our services, to maintain, upgrade and enhance our network facilities and operations, and to support our information and billing systems. Some of our third-party vendors are our primary source of supply for certain products and services for which there are few substitutes. The global supply chains have been and may continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a delay in the development, manufacturing and shipping of products and in some cases an increase in product costs. If any of these vendors should experience financial difficulties, experience supply chain issues, have demand that exceeds their capacity or can no longer meet our specifications or provide products or services we need or at reasonable prices, our ability to provide some services may be hindered, in which case our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

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Video content costs are substantial and continue to increase.  We expect video content costs to continue to be one of our largest operating costs associated with providing video service. Video programming content includes network programming designed to be shown in linear channels, as well as the programming of local over-the-air television stations that we retransmit.  The cable industry has experienced continued increases in the cost of programming, especially the cost of sports programming and local broadcast station retransmission content. Programming costs are generally assessed on a per-subscriber basis, and therefore, are directly related to the number of subscribers to which the programming is provided.  Our relatively small subscriber base limits our ability to negotiate lower per-subscriber programming costs. Larger providers can often qualify for discounts based on the number of their subscribers.  This cost difference can cause us to experience reduced operating margins, while our competitors with a larger subscriber base may not experience similar margin compression.  In addition, escalators in existing content agreements can result in cost increases that exceed general inflation.  While we expect video content costs to continue to increase, we may not be able to pass such cost increases on to our customers, especially as an increasing amount of programming content becomes available via the Internet at little or no cost.  Also, some competitors or their affiliates own programming in their own right and we may not be able to secure license rights to that programming.  As our programming contracts with content providers expire, there is no assurance that they will be renewed on acceptable terms or that they will be renewed at all, in which case we may not be able to provide such programming as part of our video services packages and our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

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We have employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements.  If we are unable to enter into new agreements or renew existing agreements timely, we could experience work stoppages or other labor actions that could materially disrupt our business of providing services to our customers.  As of December 31, 2021, approximately 48% of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements.  These employees are hourly workers throughout our service territories and are represented by various unions and locals.  Our existing collective bargaining agreements expire between 2022 through 2025, of which contracts covering 41% of our employees will expire in 2022.

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We cannot predict the outcome of the negotiations related to the collective bargaining agreements covering our employees.  If we are unable to reach new agreements or renew existing agreements, employees subject to collective bargaining agreements may engage in strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns, or other labor actions, which could materially disrupt our ability to provide services to our customers.  New labor agreements, or the renewal of existing agreements, may impose significant new costs on us, which could adversely affect our financial condition and result of operations.  While we believe our relations with the unions representing these employees are good, any protracted labor disputes or labor disruptions by our employees could negatively impact our business.

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Our ability to attract and/or retain certain key management and other personnel in the future could have an adverse effect on our business.  We rely on the talents and efforts of key management personnel, many of whom have been with our company or in our industry for decades.  While we maintain long-term and emergency transition plans for key management personnel and believe we could either identify internal candidates or attract outside candidates to fill any vacancy created by the loss of any key management personnel, the loss of one or more of our key management personnel could have a negative impact on our business.

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Acquisitions present many risks and we may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions.  From time to time, we make acquisitions and investments or enter into other strategic transactions.  In connection with these types of transactions, we may incur unanticipated expenses; fail to realize anticipated benefits; have difficulty integrating the acquired businesses; disrupt relationships with current and new employees, customers and vendors; incur significant indebtedness or have to delay or not proceed with announced transactions.  The occurrence of any of the foregoing events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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We may face significant challenges in combining the operations of an acquired business with ours in a timely and efficient manner.  The failure to successfully integrate an acquired business and to successfully manage the challenges presented by the integration process may result in our inability to achieve anticipated benefits of the acquisition, including operational and financial synergies.  Even if we are successful in integrating acquired businesses, we cannot guarantee that the integration will result in the complete realization of anticipated financial synergies or that they will be realized within the expected time frames.

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Risks Relating to Current Economic Conditions

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Unfavorable changes in financial markets could adversely affect pension plan investments resulting in material funding requirements to meet our pension obligations.  We expect that we will continue to make future cash contributions to our pension plans, the amount and timing of which will depend on various factors including funding regulations, future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and mortality tables and changes in participant demographics.  Unfavorable fluctuations or adverse changes in any of these factors, most of which are outside our control, could impact the funded status of the plans and increase future funding requirements.  Returns generated on plan assets have historically funded a large portion of the benefits paid under these plans.  If the financial markets experience a downturn and returns fall below the estimated long-term rate of return, our future funding requirements could increase significantly, which could adversely affect our cash flows from operations.

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Weak economic conditions may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.  Downturns in the economic conditions in the markets and industries we serve could adversely affect demand for our products and services and have a negative impact on our results of operations.  Economic weakness or uncertainty may make it difficult for us to obtain new customers and may cause our existing customers to reduce or discontinue their services to which they subscribe.  This risk may be worsened by the expanded availability of free or lower cost services, such as streaming or OTT services or substitute services, such as wireless phones and public Wi-Fi networks.  Weak economic conditions may also impact the ability of third parties to satisfy their obligations to us.

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Risks Relating to Our Common and Preferred Stock

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The price of our common stock may be volatile and may fluctuate substantially, which could negatively affect holders of our common stock.  The market price of our common stock may fluctuate widely as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, period-to-period fluctuations in our operating results, the volume of sales of our common stock, the limited number of holders of our common stock and the resulting limited liquidity in our common stock, dilution, developments in the communications industry, the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, short interests in our common stock, competitive factors, regulatory developments, labor disruptions, general market conditions and market conditions affecting the stock of communications companies. Communications companies have, in the past, experienced extreme volatility in the trading prices and volumes of their securities, which has often been unrelated to operating performance.  High levels of market volatility may have a significant adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.  In addition, in the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price.  This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management's attention and resources, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and/or the market price of our common stock.

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Our organizational documents could limit or delay another party’s ability to acquire us and, therefore, could deprive our investors of a possible takeover premium for their shares.  A number of provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it difficult for another company to acquire us.  Among other things, these provisions:

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We also are subject to laws that may have a similar effect.  For example, federal and certain state telecommunications laws and regulations generally prohibit a direct or indirect transfer of control over our business without prior regulatory approval.  Similarly, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law restricts our ability to engage in a business combination with an “interested stockholder”.  These laws and regulations make it difficult for another company to acquire us, and therefore, could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.  In addition, the rights of our common stockholders are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of any class or series of preferred stock that we may issue in the future.

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The rights of our Series A Preferred Stock could negatively impact our cash flows.  The terms of our Series A Preferred Stock provide rights to holders that could negatively impact us.  Holders of our Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends on the liquidation preference at a rate of 9% per annum payable semi-annually, until October 2, 2025 at our election, either in cash or in-kind through an accrual of unpaid dividends, which are automatically added to the liquidation preference; and after October 2, 2025, solely in cash.

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In addition, upon a liquidation event, holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock for cash at a price equal to the liquidation preference plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.  The existence of senior securities such as the Series A Preferred Stock could have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

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The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to our common stock with respect to dividend distribution payments upon liquidation.  The rights of holders of our Series A Preferred Stock rank senior to the rights of holders of our common stock.  Before dividends, if any, can be paid to holders of our common stock, any dividends, including accrued and unpaid dividends, must first be paid to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock.  In addition, upon a liquidation event, holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive full payment for their shares before any payment can be made to holders of our common stock.  The existence of senior securities such as the Series A Preferred Stock could have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

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Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness and Our Capital Structure

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We have a substantial amount of debt outstanding, which could adversely affect our business and restrict our ability to fund working capital and planned capital expenditures.  As of December 31, 2021, we had $2.1 billion of debt outstanding.  Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely impact our business, including:

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We cannot guarantee that we will generate sufficient revenues to service our debt and have adequate funds left over to achieve or sustain profitability in our operations, meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs or compete successfully in our markets.

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Our credit agreement and the indentures governing our Senior Notes contain covenants that limit management’s discretion in operating our business and could prevent us from capitalizing on opportunities and taking other corporate actions.  Among other things, our credit agreement limits or restricts our ability (and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries), and the separate indenture governing the Senior Notes limits the ability of our subsidiary, Consolidated Communications, Inc., and its restricted subsidiaries to: incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue preferred stock; make restricted payments, including paying dividends on, redeeming, repurchasing or retiring our capital stock; make investments and prepay or redeem debt; enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, make loans or transfer assets to us; create liens; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of, or other ownership interests in subsidiaries; engage in transactions with affiliates; engage in sale and leaseback transactions; make capital expenditures; engage in a business other than telecommunications; and consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

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In addition, our credit agreement requires us to comply with specified financial ratios, including a financial covenant based on first lien leverage.  Our ability to comply with these ratios may be affected by events beyond our control.  These restrictions limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions, meet capital needs or otherwise constrain our activities or business plans.  They also may adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, enter into acquisitions or engage in other business activities that would be in our interest.

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A breach of any of the covenants contained in our credit agreement, in any future credit agreement, or in the separate indentures governing the Senior Notes, or our inability to comply with the financial ratios could result in an event of default, which would allow the lenders to declare all borrowings outstanding to be due and payable.  If the amounts outstanding under our credit facilities were to be accelerated, we cannot assure that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full the money owed.  In such a situation, the lenders could foreclose on the assets and capital stock pledged to them.

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We may not be able to refinance our existing debt if necessary, or we may only be able to do so at a higher interest rate.  We may be unable to refinance or renew our credit facilities and our failure to repay all amounts due on the maturity dates would cause a default under the credit agreement.  Alternatively, any renewal or refinancing may occur on less favorable terms.  If we refinance our credit facilities on terms that are less favorable to us than the terms of our existing debt, our interest expense may increase significantly, which could impact our results of operations and impair our ability to use our funds for other purposes.

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Our variable-rate debt subjects us to interest rate risk, which could impact our cost of borrowing and operating results.  Certain of our debt obligations are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk.  Increases in interest rates could negatively impact our results of operations and operating cash flows.  We utilize interest rate swap agreements to convert a portion of our variable-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis.  However, we do not maintain interest rate hedging agreements for all of our variable-rate debt and our existing hedging agreements may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk, may prove disadvantageous or may create additional risks.  Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges that have been de-designated or determined to be ineffective are recognized in earnings.  Significant increases or decreases in the fair value of these cash flow hedges could cause favorable or adverse fluctuations in our results of operations.

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In addition, a substantial portion of our variable-rate debt bears interest based on the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”). In 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop requiring banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. In November 2020, ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), the administrator of LIBOR, extended the cessation date for submission and publication of rates for all LIBOR tenors until June 30, 2023, except for the one-week and two-month LIBOR tenors, which ceased on December 31, 2021. As of January 1, 2022, regulated U.S. financial institutions are no longer permitted to enter into new contracts referencing any LIBOR settings. The U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”), has proposed replacing LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), a new index based on trading in overnight repurchase agreements. At this time, it is not possible to predict whether SOFR will become the most prevalent alternative reference rate in the market or what impact the transition from LIBOR to alternative reference rates may have on the interest rates for our current and future debt obligations as well as our interest rate swap agreements, which may be adversely affected. In addition, any transition process from LIBOR to an alternative rate could

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cause, among other things, LIBOR to perform differently than in the past, a disruption in the financial markets, or increases in benchmark rates, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

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Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business

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We are subject to a complex and uncertain regulatory environment, and we face compliance costs and restrictions greater than those of many of our competitors.  Our businesses are subject to regulation by the FCC and other federal, state and local entities.  Rapid changes in technology and market conditions have resulted in changes in how the government addresses telecommunications, video programming and Internet services.  Many businesses that compete with our Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (“ILEC”) and non-ILEC subsidiaries are comparatively less regulated.  Some of our competitors are either not subject to utilities regulation or are subject to significantly fewer regulations.  In contrast to our subsidiaries regulated as cable operators and satellite video providers, competing on-demand and OTT providers and motion picture and DVD firms have almost no regulation of their video activities.  Recently, federal and state authorities have become more active in seeking to address critical issues in each of our product and service markets.  The adoption of new laws or regulations, or changes to the existing regulatory framework at the federal, state or local level, could require significant and costly adjustments that could adversely affect our business plans.  New regulations could impose additional costs or capital requirements, require new reporting, impair revenue opportunities, potentially impede our ability to provide services in a manner that would be attractive to our customers and potentially create barriers to enter new markets or to acquire new lines of business. We face continued regulatory uncertainty in the immediate future.  Not only are these governmental entities continuing to move forward on these matters, their actions remain subject to reconsideration, appeal and legislative modification over an extended period of time, and it is unclear how their actions will ultimately impact our business.  We cannot predict future developments or changes to the regulatory environment or the impact such developments or changes may have on us.

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Increased regulation of the Internet could increase our cost of doing business.  Current laws and regulations governing access to, or commerce on, the Internet are limited.  As the significance of the Internet continues to expand, federal, state and local governments may adopt new rules and regulations applicable to, or apply existing laws and regulations to, the Internet.  During 2017, the FCC adopted an order eliminating its previous classification of Internet service as a telecommunications service regulated under Title II of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  This effectively limits the FCC’s authority over Internet Service Providers.  The FCC retained rules requiring Internet Service Providers to disclose practices associated with blocking, throttling and paid prioritization of Internet traffic.  The FCC order has been challenged in court and the outcome of the challenge cannot be determined at this time.  

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The outcome of pending matters before the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and any potential congressional action cannot be determined at this time but could lead to increased costs for the Company in connection with our provision of Internet services, and could affect our ability to compete in the markets we serve.

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We are subject to extensive laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, natural resources and worker health and safety.  Our operations and properties are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, natural resources and worker health and safety, including laws and regulations governing and creating liability in connection with the management, storage and disposal of hazardous materials, asbestos and petroleum products.  We are also subject to laws and regulations governing air emissions from our fleet vehicles.  As a result, we face several risks, including:

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The cost of complying with environmental requirements could be significant.  Similarly, the adoption of new environmental laws or regulations, or changes in existing laws or regulations or their interpretations, could result in significant compliance costs or unanticipated environmental liabilities.

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Our business may be impacted by new or changing tax laws or regulations and actions by federal, state, and/or local agencies, or by how judicial authorities apply tax laws.  Our operations are subject to various federal, state and local tax laws and regulations.  In connection with the products and services we sell, we calculate, collect, and remit various federal, state, and local taxes, surcharges and regulatory fees (“tax” or “taxes”) to numerous federal, state and local governmental authorities.  In many cases, the application of tax laws is uncertain and subject to differing interpretations, especially when evaluated against new technologies and telecommunications services, such as broadband Internet access and cloud related services.  Tax laws are dynamic and subject to change as new laws are passed and new interpretations of the law are issued or applied.  Changes in tax laws, or changes in interpretations of existing laws, could materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a major federal tax reform, that had a significant impact on our tax obligations and effective income tax rate.  

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Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

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None.

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Item 2.  Properties.

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We own our corporate headquarters, which are currently located at 2116 S. 17th Street, Mattoon, Illinois.  We also own and lease office facilities and related equipment for administrative personnel, central office buildings and operations in many of the states in which we operate.  

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In addition to land and structures, our property consists of equipment necessary for the provision of communication services, including central office equipment, customer premises equipment and connections, pole lines, video head-end, remote terminals, aerial and underground cable and wire facilities, vehicles, furniture and fixtures, computers and other equipment.  We also own certain other communications equipment held as inventory for sale or lease.

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In addition to plant and equipment that we wholly-own, we utilize poles, towers and cable and conduit systems jointly-owned with other entities and lease space on facilities to other entities.  These arrangements are in accordance with written agreements customary in the industry. We also have appropriate easements, rights-of-way and other arrangements for the accommodation of our pole lines, underground conduits, aerial and underground cables and wires.  

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Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

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From time to time we may be involved in litigation that we believe is of the type common to companies in our industry, including regulatory issues.  While the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.  See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report in Part II – Item 8 – “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of recent developments related to these legal proceedings.

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Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

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Not Applicable.

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PART II

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Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

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Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “CNSL”.  As of February 28, 2022, there were approximately 4,018 stockholders of record of the Company’s common stock.  

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Share Repurchases

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During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, we repurchased 219,067 common shares surrendered by employees in the administration of employee share-based compensation plans. The following table summarizes the share repurchase activity:

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Performance Graph

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The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total shareholder return of our common stock (assuming reinvestment of dividends) with the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index.  The comparison of total return on investment (change in year-end stock price plus reinvested dividends) for each of the periods assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2016 in each index.  The stock performance shown on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

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COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*

Among Consolidated Communications Holdings, the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index

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Sale of Unregistered Securities

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During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued shares of common and preferred stock exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to Searchlight by virtue of the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act for the Searchlight investment.  See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report in Part II – Item 8 – “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of the Searchlight investment.

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Item 6.  Reserved.

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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

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Reference is made to Part I – Item 1 – “Note About Forward-Looking Statements” and Part I – Item 1A – “Risk Factors” which describes important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations and non-historical information contained herein. In addition, the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (“Consolidated,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”).  MD&A should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements (“Notes”) as of and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Throughout MD&A, we refer to certain measures that are not a measure of financial performance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP” or “GAAP”).  We believe the use of these non-GAAP measures on a consolidated basis provides the reader with additional information that is useful in understanding our operating results and trends. These measures should be viewed in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, those measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.  See the Non-GAAP Measures section below for a more detailed discussion on the use and calculation of these measures.

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Overview

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Consolidated is a broadband and business communications provider offering a wide range of communication solutions to consumer, commercial and carrier customers across a service area in over 20 states.  We operate an advanced fiber network spanning approximately 52,400 fiber route miles across many rural areas and metro communities.  We offer residential high-speed Internet, video, phone and home security services as well as multi-service residential and small business bundles. Our business product suite includes: data and Internet solutions, voice, data center services, security services, managed and IT services, and an expanded suite of cloud services.  We provide wholesale solutions to wireless and wireline carriers and other service providers including data, voice, network connections and custom fiber builds and last mile connections.    

We generate the majority of our consolidated operating revenues primarily from monthly subscriptions to our broadband, data and transport services (collectively “broadband services”) marketed to residential and business customers.  As consumer demands for bandwidth continue to increase, our focus is on expanding our fiber broadband services and upgrading data speeds in order to offer a highly competitive fiber product. Our investment in more competitive broadband speeds is critical to our long-term success.  Our strategic investment with Searchlight Capital Partners L.P. (“Searchlight”) combined with the refinancing of our capital structure, as described below, has provided us with additional capital that has enabled us to accelerate our fiber expansion plans and provided significant benefits to our consumer, commercial and carrier customers. With this strategic investment, we intend to enhance our fiber infrastructure and accelerate our investments in high-growth and competitive areas.  By leveraging our existing dense core fiber network and an accelerated build plan, we expect to be able to significantly increase data speeds, expand our multi-Gig coverage and strategically extend our network across our strong existing commercial and carrier footprint to attract more on-net and near-net opportunities.  As part of our fiber expansion plan, we plan to upgrade approximately 1.6 million passings to fiber over five years across select service areas to enable multi-Gig capable services to these homes and small businesses including more than 1 million passings within our northern New England service areas. 

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During the year ended December 31, 2021, we upgraded approximately 330,000 passings and added approximately 15,500 consumer fiber Gig-capable subscribers. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 41% of the homes we serve on our legacy Consolidated network had availability to broadband speeds of up to 1 Gbps compared to 17% at December 31, 2020.  In our northern New England service areas, approximately 14% of the homes we serve were 1 Gig capable as of December 31, 2021 compared to 4% at December 31, 2020. Our fiber build plan includes the upgrade of an additional 400,000 homes and small businesses in 2022. In November 2021, we launched Fidium Fiber, our new Gigabit consumer fiber internet product available in select northern New England markets, reinforcing our broadband-first strategy. We expect to launch Fidium Fiber in other regions in 2022.

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As we continue to increase broadband speeds, we believe that we will also be able to simultaneously expand the array of services and content offerings that our network provides. Commercial and carrier services represent the largest source of our operating revenues and we are focused on expanding our broadband and commercial product suite and are continually enhancing our commercial product offerings to meet the needs of our business customers.  By leveraging our advanced

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fiber network, we can tailor our services for business customers by developing solutions to fit their specific needs.  Additionally, we are continuously enhancing our suite of managed and cloud services by adding new functionality and support, which increases efficiency and enables greater scalability and reliability for businesses. We anticipate future momentum in commercial and carrier services as these products gain traction as well as from the demand from customers for additional bandwidth and data-based services.

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However, operating revenues continue to be impacted by the industry-wide trend of declines in voice services, access lines and related network access revenue.  Many customers are choosing to subscribe to alternative communication services, and competition for these subscribers continues to increase.  Total voice connections decreased 8% as of December 31, 2021 compared to 2020.  We have been able to mitigate some of the access line losses through alternative product offerings, such as our VoIP service. 

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Our competitive broadband speeds enable us to meet consumer demand for higher bandwidth for streaming programming or on-demand content on any device.  The consumers demand for streaming services, either to augment their current video subscription plan or to entirely replace their linear video subscription may impact our future video subscriber base and, accordingly, reduce our video revenue as well as our video programing costs.  Total video connections decreased 17% as of December 31, 2021 compared to 2020.  We believe the trend in changing consumer viewing habits will continue to impact our business results and complement our strategy of providing consumers with higher broadband speeds to facilitate streaming content including services offered through our streaming partnerships.

Our operating revenues are impacted by legislative or regulatory changes at the federal and state levels, which could reduce or eliminate the current subsidies revenue we receive.  A number of proceedings and recent orders relate to universal service reform, inter-carrier compensation (“ICC”) and network access charges. Recent orders adopted in 2020 will result in a reduction in the federal subsidies we receive of approximately $42.2 million annually beginning January 1, 2022. See the “Regulatory Matters” section below for a further discussion of the subsidies we receive.   

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Significant Recent Developments

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Searchlight Investment

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On September 13, 2020, we entered into an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with an affiliate of Searchlight.  In connection with the Investment Agreement, affiliates of Searchlight have invested an aggregate of $425.0 million in the Company.  The investment commitment was structured in two stages.  In the first stage of the transaction, which was completed on October 2, 2020, Searchlight invested $350.0 million in the Company in exchange for 6,352,842 shares, or approximately 8%, of the Company’s common stock and a contingent payment right (“CPR”) that was convertible, upon the receipt of certain regulatory and shareholder approvals, into an additional 17,870,012 shares, or 16.9% of the Company’s common stock.  In addition, Searchlight received the right to an unsecured subordinated note with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $395.5 million (the “Note”), which will be convertible into shares of a new series of perpetual preferred stock of the Company with an aggregate liquidation preference equal to the principal amount of the Note plus accrued interest as of the date of conversion.  

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On July 15, 2021, the Company received all required state public utility commission regulatory approvals necessary for the conversion of the CPR into 16.9% additional shares of the Company’s common stock. As a result, the CPR was converted into 17,870,012 shares of common stock, which were issued to Searchlight on July 16, 2021.

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In the second stage of the Investment, which was completed on December 7, 2021 following the receipt of Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and certain regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of certain other customary closing conditions, Searchlight invested an additional $75.0 million and was issued the Note. The Note bore interest at 9.0% per annum from the date of the closing of the first stage of the transaction and was payable semi-annually in arrears. The Note included a paid-in-kind (“PIK”) option for a five-year period beginning as of October 2, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company elected the PIK option and accrued interest of $38.8 million was added to the principal balance of the Note.  On December 7, 2021, Searchlight elected to convert the Note into 434,266 shares of Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). In addition, on December 7, 2021, the CPR converted into an additional 15,115,899 shares, or an additional 10.1%, of the Company’s common stock.  As of December 31, 2021, shares of common stock issued to Searchlight represent approximately 35% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The strategic investment with Searchlight provides us a valued partner with significant

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experience in deploying broadband infrastructure as we continue to execute our fiber-focused strategy and grow broadband services.  

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Refinancing of Long-term Debt

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On October 2, 2020, the Company and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries completed a refinancing of our long-term debt through the issuance of $2,250.0 million in new secured debt and retired all of our then existing outstanding debt obligations.  As described in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section, we entered into a new credit agreement which consisted of term loans in the original aggregate amount of $1,250.0 million and a $250.0 million revolving credit facility. On October 2, 2020, we also issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior secured notes due 2028. On January 15, 2021, the Company issued an additional $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of incremental term loans under the credit agreement. On March 18, 2021, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount 5.00% Senior Notes and used the net proceeds from the issuance of notes to repay $397.0 million of the term loans outstanding under the credit agreement. On April 5, 2021, we entered into an amendment to the credit agreement to refinance the outstanding term loans, which reduced the combined interest rate margin and LIBOR floor by 1.5%. The refinancing extended the maturities of our debt obligations and improved our liquidity, which, combined with the strategic investment with Searchlight, provides us the immediate flexibility to support our planned expansion of our fiber network and revenue growth plan.

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Divestiture

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On September 22, 2021, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell substantially all of the assets of our non-core, rural ILEC business located in Ohio, Consolidated Communications of Ohio Company (“CCOC”), for approximately $26.0 million in cash, subject to a customary working capital adjustment.  CCOC provides telecommunications and data services to residential and business customers in 11 rural communities in Ohio and surrounding areas and includes approximately 4,000 access lines and 3,900 data connections. The asset sale aligns with our strategic asset review and focus on our core broadband regions. As of December 31, 2021, the assets and liabilities to be disposed of were classified as held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and consisted primarily of allocated goodwill of $16.3 million and property, plant and equipment of $9.5 million. In connection with the classification as assets held for sale, we recognized an impairment loss of $5.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2021.  Subsequent to December 31, 2021, the parties received all required regulatory approvals and the transaction closed on February 1, 2022.

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Subsequent to December 31, 2021, we entered into a definitive agreement on March 2, 2022 to sell substantially all the assets of our business located in the Kansas City market (the “Kansas City operations”). The Kansas City operations provides data, voice and video services to customers within the Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding counties and includes approximately 19,000 consumer customers and 1,900 commercial customers. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022 and is subject to the receipt of all customary regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions. We estimate that the pre-tax impairment loss to be recognized during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 will range from $125.0 million to $130.0 million, which includes approximately $90.0 million in allocated goodwill.

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COVID-19 Pandemic

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We are closely monitoring the ongoing impact on our business of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic.  We are taking precautions to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and business partners, while assuring business continuity and reliable service and support to our customers. Health and safety measures implemented include transitioning to remote work-from-home policies, providing our field technicians with personal protective equipment and additional safety training, practicing social distancing and adding call aheads for work that must be performed inside customer premises.  While we have not seen a material adverse impact to our financial results from COVID-19 to date, the extent of the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business is highly uncertain and difficult to predict.  If the pandemic worsens or new variants of the virus become more dominant and were to cause significant negative impacts to economic conditions, our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely impacted.  See Part I, Item 1A – “Risk Factors.”

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On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted by the U.S. government as an emergency economic stimulus package that includes spending and tax breaks to strengthen the U.S. economy and fund a nationwide effort to curtail the economic effects of COVID-19.  The CARES Act included, among

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other things, deferral of certain employer payroll tax payments and certain income tax law changes including modifications to the net interest deduction limitations.  In 2020, we deferred the payment of approximately $12.0 million for the employer portion of Social Security taxes otherwise due in 2020 with 50% due by December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2022.  The portion of the taxes deferred until 2021 were paid during the third quarter of 2021. On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) was enacted and provides further economic relief to address the continued economic impact of COVID-19.  To date, these acts have not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, although we will continue to monitor the impact of any effects from these acts and other future legislation.

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Results of Operations

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The following tables reflect our financial results on a consolidated basis and key operating statistics as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

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Financial Data

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Key Operating Statistics

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Operating Revenues

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Commercial and Carrier

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Data and Transport Services

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We provide a variety of business communication services to business customers of all sizes, including voice and data services over our advanced fiber network.  The services we offer include scalable high-speed broadband Internet access and VoIP phone services, which range from basic service plans to virtual hosted systems.  In addition to Internet and VoIP services, we also offer a variety of commercial data connectivity services in select markets including Ethernet services; private line data services; software defined wide area network (“SD-WAN”) and multi-protocol label switching.  Our networking services include point-to-point and multi-point deployments from 2.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps to accommodate the growth patterns of our business customers.  We offer a suite of cloud-based services, which includes a hosted unified communications solution that replaces the customer’s on-site phone systems and data networks, managed network security services and data protection services.  Data center and disaster recovery solutions provide a reliable and local colocation option for commercial customers.  We also offer wholesale services to regional and national interexchange and wireless carriers, including cellular backhaul and other fiber transport solutions.

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Data and transport services revenues increased $0.2 million during 2021 compared to 2020 due to continued growth in Metro Ethernet and SD-WAN services, which was largely offset by a decline in carrier services and cellular backhaul in 2021 as a result of price compression and a reduction in pricing of recent contract renewals with our wireless backhaul partners.  Data and transport services revenues increased $6.8 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to growth in Metro Ethernet and VoIP services. In recent years, the growth in data and transport services revenues has been impacted by increased competition and price compression as customers are migrating from legacy data connection products to more competitive Ethernet based products, which have a lower average revenue per user.  In addition, recent and ongoing contract renewals with our wireless backhaul partners have also resulted in a decline in pricing. Future declines are expected to be partially offset with the increasing demand for bandwidth and other Ethernet services.

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Voice Services

Voice services include basic local phone and long-distance service packages for business customers.  The plans include options for voicemail, conference calling, linking multiple office locations and other custom calling features such as caller ID, call forwarding, speed dialing and call waiting.  Services can be charged at a fixed monthly rate, a measured rate or can be bundled with selected services at a discounted rate.

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Voice services revenues decreased $9.9 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to a 9% decline in access lines in 2021 compared to 2020.  Voice services revenues decreased $6.6 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to a 7% decline in access lines in 2020 compared to 2019.  Commercial customers are increasingly choosing alternative technologies, including our own VoIP product, and the broad range of features that Internet-based voice services can offer.

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Other

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Other services include business equipment sales and related hardware and maintenance support, video services and other miscellaneous revenues, including 911 service revenues. We are a full service 911 provider and have installed and maintained two turn-key, state of the art statewide next-generation emergency 911 systems. These systems, located in Maine and Vermont, have processed several million calls relying on the caller's location information for routing. As of October 29, 2020, we were no longer the 911 service provider in Vermont. Next-generation emergency 911 systems are

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an improvement over traditional 911 and are expected to provide the foundation to handle future communication modes such as texting and video.

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Other services revenues decreased $3.5 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to the expiration of our 911 service contract in Vermont as well as decreases in pole attachment and custom construction revenues. Other services revenues decreased $7.8 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to a decrease in business system sales in 2020.    

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Consumer

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Broadband Services

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Broadband services include revenues from residential customers for subscriptions to our VoIP and data products.  We offer high-speed Internet access at speeds of up to 1 Gbps, depending on the network facilities that are available, the level of service selected and the location.  Our VoIP digital phone service is also available in certain markets as an alternative to the traditional telephone line.  CCiTV, which is a customizable, cloud-enabled video service, supports a wide variety of viewing habits and provides an app-based approach to video services. Content can be delivered in high-definition quality to a big-screen TV, as well as to tablets and mobile devices.

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Broadband services revenues increased $6.2 million during 2021 compared to 2020 and $6.0 million during 2020 compared to 2019 despite a 4% decrease in broadband connections in both 2021 and 2020 primarily due to an increase in Internet services as a result of price increases as well as growth in CCiTV revenue.  However, the increase in broadband revenue was partially offset by a decline in VoIP revenue due to a 15% decline in connections in both 2021 and 2020.

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Video Services

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Depending on geographic market availability, our video services range from limited basic service to advanced digital television, which includes several plans, each with hundreds of local, national and music channels including premium and Pay-Per-View channels as well as video On-Demand service.  Certain customers may also subscribe to our advanced video services, which consist of high-definition television, digital video recorders (“DVR”) and/or a whole home DVR.  Our video subscribers can also watch their favorite shows, movies and livestreams on any device.  In addition, we offer several in-demand streaming TV services, which provide endless entertainment options.

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Video services revenues decreased $9.2 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to a decrease in connections of 18% in 2021 compared to 2020. Video services revenues decreased $7.1 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to a decrease in connections of 10% in 2020 compared to 2019.  We expect to continue to experience a decline in video connections as consumers are choosing to subscribe to alternative video services such as over-the-top streaming services.

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Voice Services

We offer several different basic local phone service packages and long-distance calling plans, including unlimited flat-rate calling plans.  The plans include options for voicemail and other custom calling features such as caller ID, call forwarding and call waiting.  

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Voice services revenues decreased $9.8 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to a 11% decline in access lines during 2021 compared to 2020. Voice services revenues decreased $10.3 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to an 8% decline in access lines during 2020 compared to 2019.  The number of local access lines in service directly affects the recurring revenue we generate from end users and continues to be impacted by the industry-wide decline in access lines.  We expect to continue to experience erosion in voice connections due to competition from alternative technologies, including our own competing VoIP product.

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Subsidies

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Subsidies consist of both federal and state subsidies, which are designed to promote widely available, quality broadband services at affordable prices with higher data speeds in rural areas.  Subsidies revenues decreased $2.2 million during 2021 compared to 2020 and $0.4 million in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to a reduction in state subsidies support.  We

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anticipate future declines in federal subsidies support.  In 2020, the FCC adopted an order establishing the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”), which will result in a reduction in our annual support of approximately $42.2 million beginning January 1, 2022. See the “Regulatory Matters” section below for a further discussion of the subsidies we receive.

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Network Access Services

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Network access services include interstate and intrastate switched access, network special access and end user access.  Switched access revenues include access services to other communications carriers to terminate or originate long-distance calls on our network.  Special access circuits provide dedicated lines and trunks to business customers and interexchange carriers.  Network access services revenues decreased $4.8 million during 2021 compared to 2020 and $12.8 million in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily as a result of the continuing decline in interstate rates, minutes of use, voice connections and carrier circuits; however, a portion of the decrease can be attributed to carriers shifting to our fiber Metro Ethernet product, contributing to the growth in that area.

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Other Products and Services

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Other products and services include revenues from telephone directory publishing, video advertising, billing and support services and other miscellaneous revenues.  We have entered into numerous Public Private Partnership agreements with several towns in New Hampshire to build new FTTP Internet networks.  The new town networks provide broadband speeds of up to 1 Gbps to residential and commercial customers. Public Private Partnerships are a key component of Consolidated’s commitment to expand rural broadband access.

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Other products and services revenues increased $11.2 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to revenue recognition of Public Private Partnership construction projects during 2021.  Other products and services revenues decreased $0.3 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to a decline in telephone directory advertising revenues.

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Operating Expenses

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Cost of Services and Products

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Cost of services and products increased $9.0 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to an increase in access expense related to fiber costs for the Public Private Partnership agreements, as described above. In addition, during 2021, we incurred access charges of $3.4 million related to the early termination of a contract obligation for fixed wireless services. Required contributions to the Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”) also increased in 2021 as a result of an increase in the annual funding rate. The increase in cost of services and products was also due to insurance recoveries received in 2020. However, employee labor costs declined due to an increase in capitalized costs for the fiber network expansion in 2021 as well as a reduction in headcount. Video programming costs decreased as a result of a decline in video connections. Contract labor costs and repair and maintenance expense also decreased as a result of operating efficiencies and a reduction in maintenance costs for utility poles.

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In 2020, cost of services and products decreased $14.3 million compared to 2019 primarily due to a reduction in video programming costs as a result of a 10% decline in video connections, which was offset in part by an increase in programming costs per channel as costs continue to rise as a result of annual rate increases.  Video programming costs are impacted by license fees charged by cable networks, the amount and quality of the content we provide and the number of video subscribers we serve. Cost of goods sold related to equipment sales also decreased from a decline in business system sales in 2020. Employee salaries and benefits declined in 2020 as a result of a reduction in staff through continued cost savings initiatives. Cost of services and products was also reduced by insurance recoveries received in 2020 for hurricane damage incurred in prior years.  However, access expense increased due to new fiber and co-location costs as a result of an increase in commercial and carrier services.  

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Selling, General and Administrative Costs

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Selling, general and administrative costs decreased $4.3 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to a reduction in property and real estate taxes as a result of property tax refunds and settlements received in 2021. However, advertising expense increased from additional radio and television advertising to promote our new Fidium brand and fiber broadband speeds.  

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Selling, general and administrative costs decreased $23.7 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due a decline in integration and severance costs in connection with cost savings initiatives.  Employee salaries and benefits also declined in 2020 as a result of a reduction in headcount.  In addition, contract labor costs decreased as a result of operating efficiency improvements.   However, customer acquisition costs increased related to the amortization of sales commissions following the adoption of ASC 606.  Real estate taxes also increased due to property tax abatements received in 2019.  

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Acquisition and Other Transaction Costs

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Acquisition and other transaction costs of $7.6 million includes costs incurred in 2020 in connection with the investment agreement entered into with Searchlight in October 2020. Transaction costs consist primarily of legal, finance and other professional fees incurred in connection with the CPRs issued as part of the transaction.

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Depreciation and Amortization

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Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $24.3 million during 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to a decline in amortization expense for customer relationships, which are amortized under the accelerated method. Depreciation expense also declined due to the sale of utility poles located in the state of New Hampshire in 2020 and certain acquired assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized. These declines in depreciation and amortization expense were offset in part by ongoing capital expenditures related to the fiber network expansion and customer service improvements.

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Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $56.3 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to acquired assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized.  Depreciation expense also declined due to the sale of utility poles located in the state of Vermont in 2019. These declines in depreciation and amortization expense were offset in part by ongoing capital expenditures related to CAF Phase II funding requirements and success-based capital projects for consumer, commercial and carrier services as well as network enhancements and customer service improvements.  

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Regulatory Matters

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Our revenues are subject to broad federal and/or state regulations, which include such telecommunications services as local telephone service, network access service and toll service.  The telecommunications industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation.  Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, federal and state regulators share responsibility for implementing and enforcing statutes and regulations designed to encourage competition and to preserve and advance widely available, quality telephone service at affordable prices.

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At the federal level, the FCC generally exercises jurisdiction over facilities and services of local exchange carriers, such as our rural telephone companies, to the extent they are used to provide, originate or terminate interstate or international communications.  The FCC has the authority to condition, modify, cancel, terminate or revoke our operating authority for failure to comply with applicable federal laws or FCC rules, regulations and policies.  Fines or penalties also may be imposed for any of these violations.

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State regulatory commissions generally exercise jurisdiction over carriers’ facilities and services to the extent they are used to provide, originate or terminate intrastate communications.  In particular, state regulatory agencies have substantial oversight over interconnection and network access by competitors of our rural telephone companies.  In addition, municipalities and other local government agencies regulate the public rights-of-way necessary to install and operate networks.  State regulators can sanction our rural telephone companies or revoke our certifications if we violate relevant laws or regulations.

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FCC Matters

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In general, telecommunications service in rural areas is costlier to provide than service in urban areas.  The lower customer density means that switching and other facilities serve fewer customers and loops are typically longer, requiring greater expenditures per customer to build and maintain. By supporting the high-cost of operations in rural markets, USF subsidies promote widely available, quality telephone service at affordable prices in rural areas.

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Our annual support through the FCC’s Connect America Fund (“CAF”) Phase II funding was $48.1 million through 2021.  The specific obligations associated with CAF Phase II funding included the obligation to serve approximately

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124,500 locations by December 31, 2020 (with interim milestones of 40%, 60% and 80% completion by December 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively); to provide broadband service with speeds of 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream; to achieve latency of less than 100 milliseconds; to provide data of at least 100 gigabytes per month; and to offer pricing reasonably comparable to pricing in urban areas.  The Company met the buildout milestones and performance metrics requirements for 2017 through 2020 for all states where it received funding.

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We accepted CAF Phase II support in all of our operating states except Colorado and Kansas, where we declined the offered CAF Phase II support.  We continued to receive annual frozen CAF Phase I support of $1.0 million in Colorado and Kansas until April 2019, when the FCC CAF Phase II auction assigned support to another provider. 

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The annual FCC price cap filing was made on June 16, 2021 and became effective on July 1, 2021.  The net impact is a decrease of approximately $3.3 million in network access and CAF ICC support funding for the July 2021 through June 2022 tariff period.

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In April 2019, the FCC announced plans for the RDOF, the next phase of the CAF program. The RDOF is a $20.4 billion fund to bring speeds of 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream to unserved and underserved areas of America. The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking at their August 2019 Open Commission Meeting. The order prioritizes terrestrial broadband as a bridge to rural 5G networks by providing a significant weight advantage to traditional broadband providers. Funding will occur in two phases with the first phase auctioning $16.0 billion and the second phase auctioning $4.4 billion, each to be distributed over 10 years. The minimum speed required to receive funding is 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. CAF Phase II funding was extended through December 31, 2021 for price cap holding companies. The FCC issued the final census block groups with locations and reserve price. We filed the RDOF short form application on July 14, 2020 and were listed as a qualified bidder by the FCC on October 13, 2020 and participated in the auction. The auction began on October 29, 2020 and ended on November 24, 2020. Consolidated won 246 census block groups serving in seven states. The bids we won are at the 1 Gbps downstream and 500 Mbps upstream speed tier to approximately 27,000 locations at an annual funding level of $5.9 million, which will result in a reduction of approximately $42.2 million in annual support beginning January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2031. Consolidated filed its long form application with supporting documents on January 29, 2021 and received final FCC approval on December 14, 2021.

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State Matters

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Texas

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The Texas Universal Service Fund (“TUSF”) is administered by the National Exchange Carrier Association (“NECA”).  The Texas Public Utilities Regulatory Act directs the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (“PUCT”) to adopt and enforce rules requiring local exchange carriers to contribute to a state universal service fund that helps telecommunications providers offer basic local telecommunications service at reasonable rates in high-cost rural areas.  The TUSF is also used to reimburse telecommunications providers for revenues lost by providing lifeline service.  Our Texas rural telephone companies receive disbursements from this fund.

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Our Texas Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (“ILECs”) have historically received support from two state funds, the small and rural incumbent local exchange company plan High Cost Fund (“HCF”) and the High Cost Assistance Fund (“HCAF”).  In December 2020, the PUCT announced a TUSF funding shortfall and would be reducing all funded carriers support by 64% beginning January 15, 2021.  The Texas Telephone Association (“TTA”), which Consolidated is a member, and the Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (“TSTCI”), filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the PUCT decision as well as a temporary injunction on the funding reduction.  On June 7, 2021, the court ruled in favor of the PUCT.  The TTA and TSTCI filed a notice to appeal on July 2, 2021.  We filed our brief on September 18, 2021, along with a Motion to Expedite.  The defendant’s response was due October 21, 2021, unless the motion to expedite was granted.  The potential impact is a reduction in support of approximately $4.0 million annually.

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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Funding

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States are reviewing opportunities to use federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) funding to assist in the deployment of broadband to unserved and underserved areas within their respective states.  In 2020, New Hampshire allocated $50.0 million of CARES Act funding to fund broadband expansion to unserved and underserved locations throughout the state.  Consolidated was granted up to $3.5 million to build high-speed Internet networks for

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homes and businesses in New Hampshire for the towns of Danbury, Springfield and Mason.  The state funded 10% upfront with the remainder received upon completion of projects in December 2020.    

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American Rescue Plan Act Funding

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President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) on March 11, 2021.  States have been allocated federal funds to be utilized for capital infrastructure, including broadband deployment, and are in various stages of implementation.  We are working with the states and municipalities to participate in this broadband grant program.

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COVID-19

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On March 13, 2020, the FCC issued a pledge to Keep America Connected through May 13, 2020, which was later extended to June 30, 2020.  The pledge asked all communications providers to not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; to waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and to open their Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.  Consolidated signed on to the pledge through June 30, 2020.  Several states took the FCC pledge a step further by not allowing any carrier to disconnect service within their state during the Governors’ declared state of emergency, which Consolidated also supported.  Most state moratoriums on disconnections have expired; however, certain states such as Washington and New York were extended to July 31, 2021 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

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In February 2021, the FCC created the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (“EBB”), a temporary program to help low income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing broadband service discounts for eligible households.  Consolidated is a participant in this program.  The EBB ended December 31, 2021.  EBB recipients fully enrolled as of December 31, 2021 will automatically continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022 when the Affordable Connectivity Program takes its place.

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Affordable Connectivity Program

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The Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) is a permanent broadband affordability program set up to replace the EBB.  The ACP program helps ensure that households can afford the broadband access they need for work, school, healthcare and more.  The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.  Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.  The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.  The program begins funding March 1, 2022.  Consolidated will be participating in this program.

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Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (the “Infrastucture Act”) passed on March 31, 2021 included $65.0 billion toward broadband.  The broadband internet portion of the Infrastructure Act is aimed at increasing internet coverage for more universal access, including for rural, low-income, and tribal communities.  65% of this funding is set aside specifically for underserved communities.  Additionally, this measure is designed to help make internet access more affordable and increase digital literacy.

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The Infrastructure Act set aside $42.5 billion for Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grants.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration administers the grant program and is in the process of soliciting comments before issuing final rules.

Other Regulatory Matters

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We are also subject to a number of regulatory proceedings occurring at the federal and state levels that may have a material impact on our operations. The FCC and state commissions have authority to issue rules and regulations related to our business.  A number of proceedings are pending or anticipated that are related to such telecommunications issues as competition, interconnection, access charges, ICC, broadband deployment, consumer protection and universal service reform.  Some proceedings may authorize new services to compete with our existing services.  Proceedings that relate to our cable television operations include rulemakings on set top boxes, carriage of programming, industry consolidation and

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ways to promote additional competition.  There are various on-going legal challenges to the scope or validity of FCC orders that have been issued.  As a result, it is not yet possible to fully determine the impact of the related FCC rules and regulations on our operations.

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Non-Operating Items

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Interest Expense, Net

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Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $31.6 million during 2021 compared to 2020. Interest expense, including amortized costs, on the Note issued to Searchlight as part of the investment agreement entered into in October 2020 increased $29.2 million in 2021.  

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Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $6.9 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to additional interest of $7.9 million recognized on the Note issued to Searchlight as part of the investment agreement entered into in October 2020.  Interest on our outstanding senior notes also increased in 2020 due to the issuance of $750.0 million in 6.50% Senior Notes due 2028, which were used in part, to redeem the then-remaining amount of our outstanding 6.50% Senior Notes due 2022 as part of the refinancing of our long-term debt in October 2020 as described in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below.  However, interest expense was reduced in part by a reduction in outstanding debt under our revolving credit facility and a decline in variable interest rates in 2020.  

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Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

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As described in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below, we incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $17.1 million in connection with the repayment of $397.0 million of outstanding term loans under our credit agreement and the refinancing of our credit agreement during the year ended December 31, 2021.

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In 2020, we incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $18.3 million in connection with the refinancing of our credit agreement and the redemption of our 6.50% Senior Notes due 2022 during the year ended December 31, 2020.

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Change in Fair Value of Contingent Payment Obligations

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Our contingent payment obligations were measured at fair value until they were converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.  During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized a loss of $86.5 million and a gain of $23.8 million, respectively, on the change in the fair value of the contingent payment rights issued to Searchlight.

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Other Income

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Other income decreased $7.6 million during 2021 compared to 2020. In 2021, we recognized a loss of $3.6 million on the disposition of wireless spectrum licenses. In 2020, we recognized a gain of $3.7 million on the sale of our 39 GHz wireless spectrum licenses as part of the FCC’s efforts to reclaim broadcast TV spectrum for wireless use.  Pension and post-retirement benefit expense increased $0.5 million as the reduction in annual expense was offset by a pension settlement charge of $5.9 million recognized during the year ended December 31, 2021 as a result of the transfer of the pension liability for a select group of retirees to an annuity provider. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed discussion regarding our pension and other post-retirement plans. Investment income increased $1.2 million during 2021 from our wireless partnership interests.

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Other income increased $23.6 million during 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to a decrease in pension and post-retirement benefit expense of $15.5 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a pension settlement charge of $6.7 million as a result of the transfer of the pension liability for a select group of retirees to an annuity provider. Investment income increased $3.0 million during 2020 from our wireless partnership interests.  In addition, during 2020, we recognized a gain of $3.7 million on the sale of our 39 GHz wireless spectrum licenses as part of the FCC’s efforts to reclaim broadcast TV spectrum for wireless use.

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Income Taxes

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Income taxes decreased $4.6 million in 2021 compared to 2020.  Our effective tax rate was (6.3)% for 2021 compared to 22.7% for 2020.  In 2021 and 2020, we placed additional valuation allowances on deferred tax assets related to state NOL and state tax credit carryforwards of $1.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively.  On September 22, 2021, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell substantially all of the assets of our non-core, rural ILEC business located in Ohio (the “Ohio

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transaction”).  As a result, we recorded an increase to our current tax expense of $1.5 million related to the $5.7 million impairment loss of noncash goodwill that is not deductible for tax purposes. We also recognized approximately $2.6 million of tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2021 to adjust our 2020 provision to match our 2020 returns compared to $0.5 million of tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2020 to adjust our 2019 provision to match our 2019 returns. In addition, the investment made by Searchlight in 2020 is treated as a contribution of equity for federal tax purposes.  Accordingly, the impact of the non-cash PIK interest expense, discount and issuance costs, and fair value adjustments on the CPR are not recognized for federal income tax purposes, resulting in an increase of $33.1 million and a decrease of $1.6 million to our current tax expense for 2021 and 2020, respectively.  In addition, for 2021 and 2020, the effective tax rate differed from the federal and state statutory rates due to various permanent income tax differences and differences in allocable income for the Company’s state tax filings.  Exclusive of these discrete adjustments, our effective tax rate for 2021 would have been approximately 26.8% compared to 24.8% for 2020.

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Income taxes increased $14.6 million in 2020 compared to 2019.  The increase was primarily related to the change in pretax income.  Our effective tax rate was 22.7% for 2020 compared to 15.7% for 2019.  In 2020 and 2019, we placed additional valuation allowances on deferred tax assets related to state NOL and state tax credit carryforwards of $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The investment transaction with Searchlight on October 2, 2020 resulted in a net decrease to our tax provision of $1.6 million due to various permanent income taxes differences.  In addition, for 2020 and 2019, the effective tax rate differed from the federal and state statutory rates due to various permanent income tax differences and differences in allocable income for the Company’s state tax filings.  Exclusive of discrete adjustments, our effective tax rate for 2020 would have been approximately 24.8% compared to 27.1% for 2019.

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Non-GAAP Measures

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In addition to the results reported in accordance with US GAAP, we also use certain non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate operating performance and to facilitate the comparison of our historical results and trends. These financial measures are not a measure of financial performance under US GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income as a measure of performance and net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. They are not, on their own, necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs as determined in accordance with GAAP. The calculation of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP are provided below.

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EBITDA is defined as net earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization.  Adjusted EBITDA is comprised of EBITDA, adjusted for certain items as permitted or required under our credit facility as described in the reconciliations below.  These measures are a common measure of operating performance in the telecommunications industry and are useful, with other data, as a means to evaluate our ability to fund our estimated uses of cash.

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The following tables are a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

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Outlook and Overview

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Our operating requirements have historically been funded from cash flows generated from our business and borrowings under our credit facilities.  We expect that our future operating requirements will continue to be funded from cash flows from operating activities, existing cash and cash equivalents, and, if needed, from borrowings under our revolving credit facility and our ability to obtain future external financing.  We anticipate that we will continue to use a substantial portion of our cash flow to fund capital expenditures for our accelerated fiber network expansion and growth plan and to invest in future business opportunities.

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The following table summarizes our cash flows:

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Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

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Net cash provided by operating activities was $318.9 million in 2021, a decrease of $46.1 million compared to the same period in 2020.  Cash flows provided by operating activities decreased in part due to a decline in earnings as a result of a decrease in operating revenue. In addition, in response to the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we deferred approximately $12.0 million of certain employer payroll tax payments under the CARES Act. The portion of the taxes deferred until 2021 of approximately $6.0 million were paid during the year ended December 31, 2021.  These

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reductions in cash provided by operating activities were offset in part by a decrease in cash paid for interest and cash contributions to our defined benefit pension plan of $6.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, in 2021 compared to 2020.

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In 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $365.0 million, an increase of $25.9 million compared to the same period in 2019 primarily as a result of an increase in earnings primarily from a reduction in operating expenses through cost management initiatives and improved operating efficiencies. Cash distributions received from our wireless partnerships also increased $5.7 million in 2020 compared to 2019. Interest payments decreased approximately $8.6 million from prior year due a decrease in variable interest rates in 2020.  In response to the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we elected the deferral of certain employer payroll tax payments under the CARES Act of approximately $12.0 million during 2020. In addition, cash contributions to our defined benefit pension plans decreased $3.5 million in 2020 compared to 2019. However, income tax refunds decreased approximately $7.8 million from 2019.

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Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities

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Net cash used in investing activities was $586.4 million in 2021 and consisted primarily of cash used for capital expenditures and the purchase of short-term investments. Capital expenditures continue to be our primary recurring investing activity and were $480.3 million, $217.6 million and $232.2 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  Our fiber expansion plan contributed to the increase in capital expenditures in 2021, which included the upgrade of more than 330,000 passings with multi-Gig data speeds. Capital expenditures for 2022 are expected to be $475.0 million to $495.0 million, which will be used to support success-based capital projects for commercial, carrier and consumer initiatives and for our planned fiber projects and broadband network expansion, which will include the upgrade in 2022 of approximately 400,000 fiber passings.  We expect to continue to invest in the enhancement and expansion of our fiber network in order to retain and acquire more customers through a broader set of products and an expanded network footprint.

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In 2021, we purchased $175.8 million in short-term investments consisting primarily of held-to-maturity debt securities with original maturities of three to twelve months, offset by the maturity of investments of $66.2 million.

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Cash proceeds from the sale of assets decreased $3.6 million in 2021 compared to 2020.  In 2020, we received cash proceeds of $3.7 million on the sale of our 39 GHz wireless spectrum licenses as part of the FCC’s spectrum recovery efforts.

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Cash Flows Provided by (Used In) Financing Activities

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Net cash used in financing activities consists primarily of our proceeds from and principal payments on long-term borrowings and repurchases of debt.

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Long-term Debt

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The following table summarizes our indebtedness as of December 31, 2021:

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Credit Agreement

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On October 2, 2020, the Company, through certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, entered into a Credit Agreement with various financial institutions (the “Credit Agreement”) to replace the Company’s previous credit agreement in its entirety.  The Credit Agreement consisted of term loans in the aggregate amount of $1,250.0 million (the “Initial Term Loans”) and

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a revolving loan facility of $250.0 million.  The Credit Agreement also includes an incremental loan facility which provides the ability to borrow, subject to certain terms and conditions, incremental loans in an aggregate amount of up to the greater of (a) $300.0 million plus (b) an amount which would not cause its senior secured leverage ratio not to exceed 3.70:1.00 (the “Incremental Facility”).  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions.  

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The Term Loans were issued in an original aggregate principal amount of $1,250.0 million with a maturity date of October 2, 2027 and contained an original issuance discount of 1.5% or $18.8 million, which is being amortized over the term of the loan.  Prior to amendments to the Credit Agreement, as described below, the Initial Term Loans required quarterly principal payments of $3.1 million, which commenced December 31, 2020, and bore interest at a rate 4.75% plus the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor.

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On January 15, 2021, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement in which we borrowed an additional $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of incremental term loans (the “Incremental Term Loans”). The Incremental Term Loans have terms and conditions identical to the Initial Term Loans including the same maturity date and interest rate. The Initial Term Loans and Incremental Term Loans, collectively (the “Term Loans”) will comprise a single class of term loans under the Credit Agreement.      

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On March 18, 2021, the Company repaid $397.0 million of the outstanding Term Loans with the net proceeds received from the issuance of $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior secured notes due 2028 (the “5.00% Senior Notes”), as described below.  The repayment of the Term Loans was applied to the remaining principal payments in direct order of maturity, thereby eliminating the required quarterly principal payments through the remaining term of the loan.  In connection with the repayment of the Term Loans, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $12.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2021.

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On April 5, 2021, the Company, entered into a second amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Second Amendment”) to refinance the outstanding Term Loans of $999.9 million. The terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement remain substantially similar and unchanged except with respect to the interest rate applicable to the Term Loans and certain other provisions.  As a result of the Second Amendment, the interest rate of the Term Loans was reduced to 3.50% plus LIBOR subject to a 0.75% LIBOR floor. The maturity date of the Term Loans of October 2, 2027 remains unchanged. In connection with entering into the Second Amendment, we recognized a loss of $5.1 million on the extinguishment of debt during the year ended December 31, 2021.

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The revolving credit facility has a maturity date of October 2, 2025 and an applicable margin (at our election) of 4.00% for LIBOR-based borrowings or 3.00% for alternate base rate borrowings, with a 0.25% reduction in each case if the consolidated first lien leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, does not exceed 3.20 to 1.00.  As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.  Stand-by letters of credit of $25.1 million were outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2021.  The stand-by letters of credit are renewable annually and reduce the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility.  As of December 31, 2021, $224.9 million was available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

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The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under our credit facilities was 4.25% and 5.75% at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  Interest is payable at least quarterly.

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Financing Costs

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In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement in October 2020, fees of $29.1 million were capitalized as deferred debt issuance costs.  These capitalized costs are amortized over the term of the debt and are included as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. We also incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $12.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2020 related to the repayment of the outstanding term loan under the previous credit agreement.

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Credit Agreement Covenant Compliance

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The Credit Agreement contains various provisions and covenants, including, among other items, restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, and issue certain capital stock.  We have agreed to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum consolidated first lien leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement.  Among

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other things, it will be an event of default, with respect to the revolving credit facility only, if our consolidated first lien leverage ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter is greater than 5.85:1.00.  As of December 31, 2021, our consolidated first lien leverage ratio under the Credit Agreement was 4.14:1.00.  As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the Credit Agreement covenants.

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Senior Notes

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6.50% Senior Notes due 2028

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On October 2, 2020, we completed an offering of $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% unsubordinated secured notes due 2028 (the “6.50% Senior Notes”).  The 6.50% Senior Notes were priced at par and bear interest at a rate of 6.50%, payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2021.  The 6.50% Senior Notes mature on October 1, 2028. Deferred debt issuance costs of $17.0 million incurred in connection with the issuance of the 6.50% Senior Notes in 2020 are being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the Senior Notes. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 6.50% Senior Notes were used to redeem our then outstanding $440.5 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due in October 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest through the redemption date, to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under the previous credit agreement as part of the refinancing in October 2020 and to pay related fees and expenses.  

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On March 18, 2021, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount 5.00% Senior Notes, together with the 6.50% Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”).  The 5.00% Senior Notes were priced at par and bear interest at a rate of 5.00% per year, payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2021.  The 5.00% Senior Notes will mature on October 1, 2028.  Deferred debt issuance costs of $3.8 million incurred in connection with the issuance of the 5.00% Senior Notes are being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the Senior Notes.  The net proceeds from the issuance of the 5.00% Senior Notes were used to repay $397.0 million of the Term Loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

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Senior Notes Covenant Compliance

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Subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, the indenture governing the Senior Notes contains customary covenants that, among other things, limits the Company and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur additional debt or issue certain preferred stock; pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock or prepay subordinated indebtedness; purchase or redeem any equity interests; make investments; create liens; sell assets; enter into agreements that restrict dividends or other payments by restricted subsidiaries; consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets; engage in transactions with its affiliates; or enter into any sale and leaseback transactions.  The indenture also contains customary events of default.  At December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants under the indenture governing the Senior Notes.

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Redemption of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2022

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On October 2, 2020, a notice of redemption was issued to holders of our then outstanding $440.5 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due in October 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) to redeem all outstanding 2022 Notes at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest through the redemption date.  A portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes was deposited with the trustee to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness under the 2022 Notes.  The 2022 Notes were redeemed on November 2, 2020, in accordance with the notice of redemption.  

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In connection with the redemption of the 2022 Notes, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $5.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we repurchased $55.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes for $49.8 million and recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $4.5 million.

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Finance Leases

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We lease certain facilities and equipment under various finance leases which expire between 2022 and 2040.  As of December 31, 2021, the present value of the minimum remaining lease commitments was approximately $25.0 million, of

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which $8.0 million was due and payable within the next twelve months.  The leases require total remaining rental payments of $27.9 million as of December 31, 2021.

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Searchlight Investment

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In connection with the Investment Agreement entered into in September 2020, Searchlight invested a total of $425.0 million in Consolidated and holds a combination of perpetual Series A preferred stock and approximately 35% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. On October 2, 2020, we closed on the first stage of the strategic investment of $350.0 million with Searchlight. The second stage of the investment was completed on December 7, 2021 and we received the additional investment of $75.0 million from Searchlight.

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On December 7, 2021, we issued 434,266 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Searchlight.  Dividends on each share of Series A Preferred Stock accrue daily on the liquidation preference at a rate of 9.0% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year. Dividends are payable until October 2, 2025 at our election, either in cash or in-kind through an accrual of unpaid dividends, which are automatically added to the liquidation preference; and after October 2, 2025, solely in cash.  The liquidation preference at any given time is $1,000 per share.  As of December 31, 2021, the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock was $436.9 million, which includes accrued and unpaid dividends of $2.7 million. The Company intends to exercise the PIK dividend option on the Series A Preferred Stock through at least 2022.

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Dividends

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We paid $55.4 million in dividend payments to shareholders during 2019. On April 25, 2019, we announced the elimination of the payment of quarterly dividends on our stock beginning in the second quarter of 2019 in order to focus on deleveraging, fiber network investments and create long-term value for our stockholders.  Future dividend payments, if any, are at the discretion of our Board of Directors.  Changes in our dividend program will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, debt covenant compliance, expected cash needs and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors.

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Sufficiency of Cash Resources

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The following table sets forth selected information regarding our financial condition:

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