Friday, January 17, 2025
Press Release
Benton Applauds FCC's Release of RDOF Default Data
Working with Missouri's Show Me Broadband Coalition in 2024, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society requested that the Federal Communications Commission and the Wireline Competition Bureau release data on defaults in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program. With the release of this data, the Benton Institute issues the following statements:
“Thank you to the FCC and the Wireline Competition Bureau for their transparency and responsiveness in providing this data about defaults within the RDOF program," said Benton Senior Fellow and Public Advocate Gigi Sohn. "Access to this information is essential for ensuring accountability and enabling stakeholders to effectively address gaps in broadband deployment. This level of openness reflects the FCC’s commitment to fostering equitable and informed progress toward closing the digital divide."
Janie Dunning, State Coordinator for Show Me Broadband, said, “By releasing this data, the FCC has taken an important step to provide transparency into one of the largest broadband infrastructure programs in history. Until now, the full extent of defaults has been hard to determine, making it challenging for states, policymakers, and the general public to evaluate the impact of the RDOF program. Having this data empowers the states to make good decisions on the future of broadband in their state. We applaud the FCC for taking this important step to help achieve internet for all.”
Contact:
Drew Garner
Director of Policy Engagement
dgarner@benton.org
The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.
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