Today, the FCC voted to establish procedures for the Phase I auction of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), awarding up to $16 billion in support of broadband to help to bridge the rural digital divide in the United States. The following statement about the vote can be attributed to Lisa R. Youngers, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association:

“The Fiber Broadband Association supports today’s action by the FCC to adopt procedures and a timeframe for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. This universal service program has the potential to drive the deployment of all-fiber networks to many locations in unserved areas, giving consumers and businesses access to infrastructure essential for full participation in our 21st-century society and economy. The COVID-19 pandemic, during which broadband traffic has surged, has revealed that all-fiber network access for all Americans has never been more important. Our members remain committed to connecting Americans, both rural and urban, with all-fiber broadband and will continue to work to make this a reality.”