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U.S.: FCC Earmarks $100m for Rural Broadband Trials |
| Source: |
totaltele.com |
| Source Date: |
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 |
| Focus: |
Electronic and Mobile Government, Citizen Engagement, Internet Governance
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| Country: |
United States |
| Created: |
Jul 29, 2014 |
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U.S. regulator to provide funding for experimental networks in unserved areas of the country.
The Federal Communications Commission has allocated $100 million to fund research into low-cost rural broadband solutions.
The U.S. telco regulator said a series of network experiments will inform its strategy of extending rural broadband via the Connect America Fund – a public-private partnership charged with rolling out network coverage to every U.S. citizen over the next 10 years.
"[The trials] will also inform the FCC's efforts to ensure that consumers everywhere can benefit from the sweeping technological advances occurring now in the communications industry," the FCC said, in a statement late last week.
The watchdog aims to roll out networks in unserved areas where it would be too costly for private companies to roll out services.
It is splitting the available funding into one large pot and two smaller ones. $75 million will go towards experimental networks that can deliver downlink speeds of 25 Mbps and uplink speeds of 5 Mbps in unserved areas where, without state intervention, end-users could end up paying $50-$200 per month to receive broadband access.
$15 million will fund experimental networks offering 10 Mbps on the downlink and 1 Mbps on the uplink in even more costly locations, and $10 million will go towards networks of the same capability but in extremely costly areas.
Fixed and wireless technologies are eligible for funding, as are non-traditional service providers, such as electricity companies.
Would-be participants can submit their applications immediately. The FCC aims to complete the selection process by the end of the year.
(By Nick Wood)
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U.S.: FCC Earmarks $100m for Rural Broadband Trials U.S regulator to provide funding for experimental networks in unserved areas of the country The Federal Communications Commission has allocated 100 million to fund research into low-cost rural broadband solutions
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