LTD Broadband Challenges FCC Denial of RDOF Funds in Court

LTD Broadband has filed a petition for review of the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to deny it funding as part of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. LTD, which largely offers fixed wireless broadband, filed a request for judicial review with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on February 2, contesting the agency decision on December 4, 2023. The action follows a series of events stemming from the FCC's proposal for a $21.7-million fine against LTD for defaulting on its bids in the RDOF broadband subsidy program. Under the RDOF program, broadband providers competed with bids to serve unconnected areas using the least amount of government money. LTD was initially the largest winner in the FCC’s 2020 RDOF auction, securing over $1.3 billion in planned support over a decade from the $9.2-billion program. However, in August 2022, the FCC rescinded LTD's award, citing failure to meet eligibility requirements in several states and doubts about the company's ability to deliver high-speed internet to the designated areas.