Monday, Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, announced funding to expand broadband in Autauga County.
“The Federal Communications Commission recently announced the authorization of nearly $3.7 million in funding to expand broadband to over 9,000 rural homes and businesses in Autauga County over the next decade,” Rep. Roby announced in an email.
Tuesday, December 16 the Federal Communications Commission authorized nearly $89.2 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to more than 123,000 unserved rural homes and businesses across 21 states, representing the eighth wave of support from last year’s successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction.
Broadband providers will begin receiving funding later this month.
“Across the nation, we’re continuing to close the digital divide so that all Americans—no matter where they live—have access to affordable broadband connectivity and the digital opportunity it brings,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “And as this eighth round of funding demonstrates, the Connect America Fund Phase II Auction is doing so in a cost-effective way: Because providers competed for Connect America Fund Auction support, finite universal service dollars reached many more homes and businesses at a much lower cost.”
Among the companies approved for funding by the Commission was satellite provider Viasat, which is receiving $87.1 million over 10 years to offer service to more than 121,700 remote and rural homes and businesses in Alabama and sixteen other states, at speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps.
The FCC said that in return for this funding, Viasat will be providing service in the supported areas at lower cost to consumers, while also permitting higher usage allowances, than it typically provides in areas where it is not receiving Connect America Fund support.
Viasat is receiving $3,692,935 9,075 to provide broadband to the people of Autauga County at speeds of 25/3 Mbps. This will allow people in rural Autauga County to receive important news and information, including the Alabama Political Reporter and the Voice of Alabama Politics news talk TV show over the internet.
Alabama’s congressional delegation, Governor Kay Ivey (R), the Alabama legislature, and President Donald J. Trump (R) have all emphasized expanding broadband access for more rural peoples.
Congresswoman Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District.
