FCC identifies areas eligible for auction to expand rural broadband

The Federal Communications Commission this week identified unserved rural areas eligible for up to $2 billion in broadband support over the next decade. The agency is preparing to distribute the funds to companies that successfully compete in an auction to deploy robust broadband to these areas at the lowest cost. “Closing the digital divide is my number one priority, and through this innovative Connect America Fund auction, we are poised to take the next big step in reaching that goal,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “In rural America, broadband opens the doors of opportunity by connecting remote communities to global markets, jobs, education, health care and information.”