T-Mobile casually suggests killing the 5G Fund for rural wireless

Criticism is mounting against the 5G Fund, a long-gestating US government program that would distribute billions of dollars to wireless network operators with the goal of funding the construction of 5G networks in rural areas. Indeed, the issues are so lengthy and complex that T-Mobile has suggested just ending the program altogether. "Given the unprecedented infusion of billions of dollars of federal and state funding as well as ongoing private investment in 5G Fund infrastructure, it is premature for the [FCC] to proceed with the 5G Fund auction," T-Mobile said. "Indeed, the auction may not be necessary at all." 5G Fund money would likely be allocated through a reverse auction, where the lowest bid to cover a particular location with 5G wins. In its filing, T-Mobile argued that operators including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile all continue to invest into expanding their 5G networks.