Fixed Wireless Provider Nextlink Responds to RDOF Critics, States Its Case for $429 Million Buildout

Representatives from broadband provider Nextlink met with Federal Communications Commission officials in response to a range of criticism the company has received regarding its provisional win in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction. The company was one of the biggest winners in the auction and will receive $429 million for rural broadband buildouts in seven states if the FCC approves its long-form RDOF application. Nextlink has come under fire from critics who argue that the company plans to use unproven fixed wireless technology to provide gigabit speeds. In addition, some critics have argued that the company will not be able to scale its operations or that it lacks proper capitalization. These allegations are “speculative, uninformed and misguided,” Nextlink said.