The FCC Monday authorized nearly $89.2 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to more than 123,000 unserved rural homes and businesses across 21 states. The action represents the eighth wave of support from last year’s Connect America Fund Phase II auction. Broadband providers will begin receiving funding later this month. Here is a list of companies receiving funding.
“Across the nation, we’re continuing to close the digital divide so that all Americans—no matter where they live—have access to affordable broadband connectivity and the digital opportunity it brings,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “As this eighth round of funding demonstrates, the Connect America Fund Phase II Auction is doing so in a cost-effective way: Because providers competed for auction support, finite universal service dollars reached many more homes and businesses at a much lower cost.”
Among the companies approved for funding by the Commission yesterday is satellite provider Viasat, which is receiving $87.1 million over 10 years to offer service to more than 121,700 remote and rural homes and businesses in 17 states, at speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps. In return for this funding, Viasat will provide service in the supported areas at a lower cost to consumers, while also permitting higher usage allowances, than it typically provides in areas where it is not receiving Connect America Fund support.
December 17, 2019
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