Federal Communications Commission Authorizes Additional $800 Million for Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

The Federal Communications Commission authorize $791,604,299 through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) to six providers to fund new broadband deployments to over 350,000 estimated locations in 19 states. The top three states receiving funding include Illinois, $212 million, Arizona, $140 million, and Iowa, $113 million. This round of funding supports projects using a range of network technologies, including gigabit service hybrid fiber/fixed wireless deployments that will provide end-user locations with either fiber or fixed wireless network service using licensed spectrum. The providers are: NextLink (AMG Technology Investment Group), GeoLinks, Starry (Connect Everyone), GigaBeam Networks, Safelink Internet,  and Shenandoah Cable Television.

The public notice also includes a list of winning bidders that have notified the FCC s that they do not intend to pursue all or some of their winning bids in a state. These bidders include GeoLinks, Starry, Monster Broadband, and Shenandoah Cable Television.