Members Urge FCC to Reconsider Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Order

Rep A. Donald McEachin (D-VA) led 22 of his colleagues from the House Commerce Committee in sending a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai requesting that the FCC reconsider the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Order in light of the last-minute language added to the adopted Order and released Feb 7. The letter raises concerns that there was no substantive analysis of how the added provision excluding certain communities from RDOF funding would work, potentially leaving further behind areas currently unserved by reliable, high-speed internet service:  “Specifically, we are concerned that the RDOF Order may inadvertently undermine the ability of states to help close the digital divide due to the rushed process undertaken by the FCC’s adoption of the Order.” Drafted after the members learned of the changes, the letter urges the FCC to review the proposal in partnership with states and Congress to deliver the most effective and efficient rural broadband investment possible.