FCC creates USD9bn ‘5G Fund for Rural America’

On 27 October the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules creating the ‘5G Fund for Rural America’, which seeks to distribute up to USD9 billion over the next decade to bring 5G wireless broadband connectivity to unserved parts of America. Phase I of the 5G Fund will target up to USD8 billion of support nationwide to areas lacking unsubsidised 4G LTE or 5G mobile broadband, with USD680 million specifically set aside for bidders offering to serve Tribal lands. Phase II will provide at least an additional USD1 billion, along with any unawarded funds from Phase I, to specifically target the deployment of technologically innovative 5G networks that facilitate precision agriculture.