How can the FCC deliver better broadband to rural health care providers?

Recent years have seen an explosion in demand for telehealth services, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, that has increased the bandwidth needs of rural health care providers. The Federal Communications Commission is proposing changes to its Rural Health Care Program rules that are designed to ensure that rural healthcare providers receive the funding necessary to access broadband and telecommunications services to provide vital healthcare services. The program provides support, capped at approximately half a billion dollars each year, to assist rural health care providers with the costs of broadband and other communications services. We dive into how the FCC is considering setting rates for the program, how to prioritize funding, and equity and inclusion issues.