As the United States prepares to pour nearly $30 billion into rural broadband and 5G networks over the coming decade, the question arises of what type of network infrastructure (Fiber? Fixed or mobile wireless access? Traditional or LEO satellite?) should be prioritized for funding — and how companies that want to expand rural broadband deployments will approach their decisions on what networks to bid and build.
The Rural Digital Opportunities Fund sets a minimum download/upload speed threshold of 25/3 Mbps, and it will have a weighted tier system to encourage bids for the fastest network — a shift from the previous Connect America Fund program, which prioritized the lowest bids rather than providers who were willing to offer faster service at a higher cost.
