The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has breathed new life into a stalled effort aimed at expanding the reach of 5G networks to rural areas of the United States. The revitalized program, named the Rural America 5G Fund, will bring 5G connectivity to 14 million homes and businesses in areas currently overlooked by carriers due to financial impracticalities. The aim is to allocate $9 billion over the next 10 years to the
The initiative, launched in 2020, initially faced setbacks due to insufficient data on coverage gaps. This caused significant disruption in the FCC’s update of coverage maps, a painstaking process that led to the publication of a more accurate national broadband map last November. These sophisticated maps are now serving as the basis for strategically deploying his 5G infrastructure in rural areas where it is needed most.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of this updated mapping in ensuring targeted expansion of 5G networks, and said the program would , emphasized the focus on the regions where they work and travel. Mr. Rosenworcel urged the committee to vote on reinstating the fund and suggested several adjustments to increase the scope and efficiency of the program. These adjustments include expanding eligibility criteria to include certain areas in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and proposing increased funding for the Fund to improve services to tribal communities.
Additionally, the plan includes $900 million in incentives for the adoption of open RAN technologies, which are considered more adaptable to new deployments and essential to diversifying the communications supply chain. This is consistent with broader U.S. efforts to ramp up production of communications equipment and reduce dependence on traditional network infrastructure providers.
The initiative is also supported through a $1.5 billion investment from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to support open RAN development and is part of the government’s commitment to promote 5G technology in underserved areas. Further demonstrating our commitment.
As the FCC advances its 5G Fund for Rural America, the outcome of future votes and the program’s ability to navigate political challenges remains critical to its success in closing the digital divide in rural America.
