RDOF's Impact on Anchor Institutions

The Federal Communications Commission recently concluded the controversial Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auctions, kicking off its plan to disperse $9 billion to service providers over the next 10 years. Former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called the auction “the single largest step ever taken to bridge the digital divide,” but other broadband advocates are not so optimistic. The SHLB Coalition, for example, is troubled that funding recipients aren't required to serve schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other anchor institutions. Fortunately, the RDOF took a technology-neutral approach to encourage a variety of business plans, which could bode well for deployment. Join us to explore how different kinds of broadband companies will make use of their RDOF funds and what these awards will mean for anchor institutions and their communities.

Speakers

Marc A. Paul

Vice President, Policy @Charter Communications

Brian O’Hara

Senior Director of Regulatory Issues – Telecommunications and Broadband @NRECA

Louis Peraertz

Vice President of Policy @WISPA