The FCC is giving away $300 million to improve data services in rural areas


Living in the city has its hassles, but we usually enjoy the privilege of having better phone service. For those living in rural areas, it can be the complete opposite experience. And that is completely noticeable when one is on the road. In an attempt to further fix this issue, the FCC has decided to launch a new mobile broadband fund, offering a $300 million subsidy to carriers willing to improve rural coverage.

Of course, carriers have to meet certain standards to enjoy all these millions. First, carriers will have to bid and offer the FCC a good deal for their money. Bidding carriers will have to be the lower-priced providers to bring service to an area. The competition will be fierce, as it won’t only be local, but it will extend to other areas’ bidders.

Also, winning bidders are required to deploy either 3G service in 2 years or 4G service in 3 years, covering at least 75% of road miles within the given census tract for which they win support. And if that wasn’t enough, the FCC is also willing to pocket out one-time support of $50 million for tribal lands and $500 million a year for ongoing mobile support.

As many of us Android fans say – More options is always better. For our friends living in the country, there are not many. Said incentive will help rural citizens, as well as frequent travelers get better data service. How many times have we found ourselves without even 3G signal when driving through mountains and farms? And with the way things are now, our smartphones are close to worthless without a good data connection.

The FCC has provided a map that specifies which areas need the most support. So check it out, and here goes for a brighter future!

[Via: Computer World]

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