FCC Authorizes Over $61.8 Million in Funding for Rural Broadband

The Federal Communications Commission authorized over $61.8 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to nearly 22,000 unserved rural homes and businesses in 14 states, representing the sixth wave of support from 2018’s successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction. Broadband providers will begin receiving funding later in Oct. This action brings total authorized funding to nearly $1.2 billion, which will expand connectivity to 409,661 homes and businesses nationwide. Additional rounds will be authorized in the coming months. Funding applications approved by the FCC include the following:

• Sunset Digital Communications is receiving nearly $29.6 million over 10 years to offer service to nearly 9,100 rural homes and businesses in VA and TN at gigabit speeds.
• Three companies – Inventive Wireless, Tri County Telephone, and Union Telephone – are receiving nearly $12.2 million over 10 years to offer service to 4,752 homes and businesses in WY.
• LocalTel Communications is receiving over $6.8 million to offer service to 1,910 homes and businesses in central WA.
• Gallatin Wireless Internet is receiving over $4 million to offer service to 1,256 homes and businesses in MT.