The FCC has announced a plan to spend $9B for expanding 5G and 4G LTE internet across rural America over the next 10 years.
Soon, it’s not just big cities that will enjoy 5G internet, but small towns, too. The FCC announced a plan to spend $9 billion to expand 5G wireless internet across rural towns in America. Moreover, the FCC has earmarked this amount for the next ten years.
5G Expansion
Gizmodo reports that the $9 billion will add to the $20.4 billion set aside to expand wired broadband in rural towns. The FCC will also spend the latter amount over the next ten years. With this news, the US should expand national 5G networks quickly.
The FCC announced will set aside up to $9 billion over the next 10 years to fund 5G wireless broadband expansion across rural America. https://t.co/kKKg9AK20z
— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) October 29, 2020
Expansion Phases
The report also says that the FCC will spend $9 billion in two phases. First, the agency will pay $8 billion to expand 5G and 4G LTE services. These services will go to rural towns that don’t have 4G LTE or 5G mobile broadband. Moreover, the FCC will set aside $680 million for ISPs expanding on Tribal lands.
Next, the FCC will spend the last $1 billion to deploy 5G networks that will help “precision agriculture.” The term means the FCC will buy new technology that will grow crop yields while using fewer resources. Moreover, the FCC will also spend leftover funds from the first phase.
Fund Requirements
If you’re a 5G carrier that wants FCC funding, you have to meet some requirements. First, you should give at least 35/3 Mbps to rural towns with no 4G LTE or 5G internet. You should also provide service to a certain number of households by three years and six years.
This move should help people who might have to study and work from home for the next ten years.
