FCC proposes establishing US$20.4 billion rural digital opportunity fund.

The U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has in a press release proposed a $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund aimed at expanding broadband access to unserved or underserved rural areas across the U.S. The proposal contained in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking document, and open for comments, is considered by the FCC as its single biggest step since its establishment to bridge the rural digital divide gap that exists in the U.S. The FCC notes in its proposal that if it is approved, at least 4 million rural homes and small businesses that currently lack modern broadband service will have access to ultra high speed connectivity of at least 25Mbps/3 Mbps, with incentives for faster speeds.