FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Response to Members of Congress Regarding the 5G Fund for Rural America

On April 24, members of Congress wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to "urge the FCC to carefully consider and account for the impact of investments funded by the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to maximize the reach and efficiency of the 5G Fund." On July 2, Chairwoman Rosenworcel responded, agreeing that it is critical to maximize the efficiency and impact of federal broadband programs. "In evaluating the impact of the BEAD program on our implementation of the 5G Fund, the Commission is actively coordinating with other governmental agencies, including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). To this end, we are focusing on ensuring that 5G Fund support does not duplicate BEAD funding efforts, but rather leverages BEAD funding to amplify the reach of the 5G Fund."