Representatives Advocate for Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Distribution

Rep Elise Stefanik (R-NY) joined her colleagues in sending a letter to Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel pushing for an end to the delay of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) distribution. In December 2020, the FCC announced Phase 1 awards under the RDOF, which would deploy broadband to 5.2 million unserved locations. However, several recipients still have not received their funding, leaving these communities unsure of when they will receive their critical funding to access broadband. In the letter, lawmakers asked the FCC for answers to the following questions by October 27, 2021:

1. How many long-form applications have been approved and how many are currently being reviewed? How many long-form applications have been denied?
2. Will the FCC complete its review of all long-form applications and begin authorizing funds for RDOF Phase 1 auction winners by the end of 2021?
3. Will the FCC authorize funds on a rolling basis each month?
4. How is the FCC actively working to ensure transparency and efficiency in its long-form application review?