Three more providers default on RDOF awards

The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund continues to see service providers default on their commitments. The latest to do so include Plains Internet, Easton Utilities, and MSEC Communications, according to a public notice published by the Federal Communications Commission. The three providers were set to deliver service in parts of Kansas, Maryland and Texas, according to the notice. Plains Internet was authorized to receive $9,834 to reach a total of three locations in rural Kansas; Easton Utilities was to receive $189,047 to serve 909 locations in Maryland; and MSEC Communications was to receive $4.2 million to serve 9,024 locations in Texas. Each provider's awards were authorized between 2021 and 2022. The defaulting providers now have six months to "repay the required support recovery amount" or risk having the Commission seek to draw on their letters of credit, according to the FCC's notice.