The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the adoption of new rules aimed at accelerating the deployment of 5G mobile broadband services in rural communities.
This decision, supported by a bipartisan vote, revives the 5G Fund for Rural America, leveraging the FCC’s newly enhanced broadband coverage map. The map reveals that millions of homes and businesses still lack access to mobile 5G coverage.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of moving forward with these investments, stating, “With the progress we’ve made in mapping broadband service availability, there is no reason to wait to put the 5G Fund to work connecting households and businesses in rural communities across the country.”
Phase I of the 5G Fund will allocate up to $9 billion through a multi-round reverse auction to provide voice and 5G mobile broadband services to rural areas that are unlikely to receive 5G networks without subsidies. The auction’s timing will be announced via a Public Notice once the FCC is ready.
The auction will rely on mobile coverage data collected through the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection initiative and reflected on the National Broadband Map. This effort has been part of an ongoing project led by Chairwoman Rosenworcel, who in 2021 established a Task Force to improve the agency’s broadband data and mapping tools. The Task Force continues to refine the data to ensure that the 5G Fund effectively targets underserved areas.
In a significant move to encourage the adoption of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology, the 5G Fund includes up to $900 million in incentives for networks incorporating Open RAN. This technology is expected to enhance competition, national security, and supply chain reliability.
The newly adopted Second Report and Order also updates the criteria for areas eligible for 5G Fund Phase I support, ensuring that eligible areas in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are included in the auction.
The overall budget for Phase I has been increased to up to $9 billion, with a proportional increase in the Tribal reserve budget, which is designated to support connecting Tribal communities. Additionally, recipients of 5G Fund support will be required to implement cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans.
