More than 14 million homes and businesses lack mobile 5G coverage, according to FCC’s new broadband coverage map
This week, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could allocate up to $9 billion to rural America to deploy 5G mobile broadband services. called for the “reopening” of the 5G Fund. The fund was first announced in her 2019, but the latest plan takes into account more recent and accurate data from the FCC’s improved broadband coverage map.
More than 14 million homes and businesses lack mobile 5G coverage, according to a new map. “For the first time in our history of supporting wireless networks through the Universal Service System, this agency has comprehensive data on where service is and is not across the country,” Rosenworcel said. the chairman said. “This is the foundation of our plan to expand 5G service in rural America to where it is needed most – where people live, work and travel.”
The first phase of the fund will involve multiple rounds of reverse auctions to distribute $9 billion for rural voice and 5G mobile broadband services. Additionally, Rosenworcel said the 5G Fund will also include up to $900 million in incentives to incorporate open RAN into networks supported by the 5G Fund. She pointed to the benefits Open RAN brings to “competition, national security, and supply chain reliability.”
The second order will take steps to improve the program, including: Changes in the definition of regions eligible for auctions. Ensure eligible areas of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are included in the 5G Fund auction. Increase the budget for Phase I of the 5G Fund Auction and Tribal Reserve Fund. and require 5G Fund recipients to implement cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans.
