WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT CHAIRMAN PAI’S PROPOSED $20.4 BILLION RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND


Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:  “The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is an important investment for deploying high-speed broadband to millions throughout the country. Let’s close the digital divide!”  (Tweet, 1/9/20)

Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet
Chairman John Thune (SD):  “Thank you @AjitPaiFCC for prioritizing rural broadband deployment at the @FCC’s first open commission meeting of 2020.”  (Tweet, 1/9/20) 

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn:  “Encouraged by @AjitPaiFCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proposal to prioritize faster internet speeds. Fiber networks are a game-changer for rural America.”  (Tweet, 1/9/20)

Senator Thom Tillis (NC):  “Great news for North Carolina! @FCC Chairman @AjitPaiFCC has proposed to make $20.4 billion available through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to expand broadband access in rural America, including an estimated 169,000 rural NC homes and businesses.”  (Tweet, 1/15/20) 

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL):  “#ICYMI: @AjitPaiFCC has great news for rural broadband! The new #RDOF rules = $16 billion for totally unserved areas with a 2nd phase that will include an additional $4.4 billion for partially served areas, while targeting still-unserved households.” (Tweet, 1/13/20)

Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA):  “Broadband access is vital to economic opportunity in rural areas in Virginia and nationwide. Chairman @AjitPaiFCC’s proposed Rural Digital Opportunity Fund will help connect more homes and businesses. I appreciate this commitment to serving rural communities.”  (Tweet, 1/16/20)

Rep. Bill Johnson (OH):  “This is a game changer for Eastern /Southeastern OH, as it prioritizes broadband tech that will last-like fiber networks. Very excited for the @FCC to finalize it.”  (Tweet, 1/22/20)

Rep. Tim Walberg (MI):  “Grateful for your commitment to bringing greater economic opportunity to rural communities.”  (Tweet, 1/23/20)

Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC):  “Excited about @AjitPaiFCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. $20B to build broadband in rural America, including 120,000 eligible locations in South Carolina! The Chairman is very smart to prioritize the deployment of higher speed networks.”  (Tweet, 1/21/20)



Rep. Frank Lucas (OK):  “I applaud @AjitPaiFCC’s commitment to expanding rural broadband through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. 162,000 Oklahoma small businesses, family farms, & rural homes will be eligible, bridging the digital divide between rural & urban America.”  (Tweet, 1/15/20)

Rep. Rob Wittman (VA):  “This is great news from @AjitPaiFCC. I am eager for these #RDOF funds to come to Virginia, and I am hopeful that the FCC will strongly consider the locations within #VA01 that need these funds to help close the digital divide & strengthen #rural America.”  (Tweet, 1/17/20)

Governor Doug Burgum (ND):  “The State of North Dakota has felt the impact of your accomplishments during your time as Chairman and, before that, an advocate for wise and targeted spending to ensure broadband infrastructure to our rural residents. North Dakota has benefited immensely and is truly grateful. … North Dakota is excited about the recently announced Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and its potential to narrow the urban-rural digital divide.”  (Letter, 1/24/20) 

Governor Laura Kelly (KS):  “Here in Kansas, we have many areas without adequate access to quality, affordable broadband services. Reliable broadband access is key to sustaining and growing rural Kansas. It will improve long-term quality of life for all Kansans and ensure that our state continues to compete in the modern economy. With that in mind, I commend your commitment to the expansion of broadband through the recently announced Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).”  (Letter, 1/23/20) 

Governor Kim Reynolds (IA):  “As the Governor of Iowa, I see first-hand the need for access to reliable broadband networks in our rural communities. … This support is crucial, and I appreciate your attention to this matter.”  (Letter, 1/23/20) 

North Carolina State Rep. Jason Saine, South Carolina State Rep. Garry Smith, Pennsylvania State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, Utah State Senator Wayne Harper:  “As members and former members of the FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee we see first-hand the need for access to reliable broadband networks in our rural communities. As such, we commend your commitment to the expansion of broadband through the recently announced Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).”  (Letter, 1/22/20)

American Dairy Coalition:  “Thank you Chairman Pai for working to close the #DigitalDivide in rural America! This billion-dollar investment is sorely needed in areas that lack even basic internet speeds. We commend the Chairman for prioritizing fast, reliable internet access to rural America.”  (Tweet, 1/8/20)

App Association:  “Today’s announcement by the FCC regarding the January meeting vote to establish the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is a significant milestone in the Commission’s ongoing commitment to close the digital divide. Our members’ innovative applications and services—from smart agriculture to connected health— require the high speed, reliable broadband connections emphasized in this draft rule.”  (Statement, 1/8/20)

Fiber Broadband Association:  “This $20 billion program will connect millions of unserved consumers to the economic, social, healthcare and educational opportunities in our digital world. What’s more, as proposed by the Chairman, this fund will build exponentially faster networks by prioritizing higher performance connectivity amongst competing bids. We thank the Chairman for this initiative to bridge the digital divide and encourage the Commission to adopt his draft at its meeting later in January.”  (Statement, 1/10/20)

Land O’Lakes:  “It’s pretty great to see continued commitment from the @FCC on building broadband networks in rural communities. @LandOLakesInc is working with @FCC and others to close the digital divide and fuel #connection.”  (Tweet, 1/24/20)

National Association of Tower Erectors:  “NATE member companies are on the front lines on a daily basis deploying the broadband and related-infrastructure to rural and underserved areas of the United States and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund will ultimately facilitate closing the digital divide by expanding access to the broadband networks these rural homes and businesses need at the high-speeds they deserve.”  (Statement, 1/8/20)

National Association of Wheat Growers:  “Wheat farmers can face many tech barriers while trying to generate business opportunities. The @FCC has proposed a Rural Digital Opportunity Fund which addresses this #digitaldivide and provides much-needed investment to build out broadband in rural America.”  (Tweet, 1/28/20)

National Grange:  “The announcement today by the FCC … is an incredible win for our rural communities. … This is an excellent way to continue to move the needle and ensure that every American can reliably and affordably compete in a global marketplace through access to real-time market data, web-based business initiatives and more. … Chairman Ajit Pai continues to make good on his promise to bridge the digital divide. The FCC and this administration should be applauded for all they have done to facilitate a more equitable digital landscape for rural citizens.”  (Statement, 1/7/20)

NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association:  “NTCA is … delighted that the draft Rural Digital Opportunity Fund order circulated by Chairman Pai appears to include a critical provision that would promote deployment of the best possible networks and delivery of the best possible services for the available budget. Such a provision should go a long way toward fulfilling the mission of universal service both now and well into the future, to the benefit of millions of rural Americans who have waited far too long for broadband comparable to what is available in urban areas.”  (Statement, 1/9/20)

Rural & Agriculture Council of America:  “RACA appreciates Chairman Pai’s investment in bringing fast, reliable internet access to rural and agricultural America. This rule would incentivize internet providers to boost the availability of and infrastructure needed for high-speed broadband in underserved areas. Almost 6 million locations would be eligible for Phase I of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, representing the largest single effort to close the digital divide in rural America.”  (Statement, 1/8/20)

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council:  “Under the leadership of Chairman Pai, significant progress has been made in expanding broadband access. The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is the next powerful step to further close the digital divide, and we especially appreciate the steps to prioritize the deployment of faster-speed service. … SBE Council and our nationwide membership of entrepreneurs and small businesses applaud Chairman Pai for his tireless work and initiatives to bring the tools and benefits of the digital economy to all Americans.”  (Statement, 1/8/20)

U.S. Cattlemen’s Association:  “We commend Chairman Pai for continuing to prioritize the needs of rural America. Today’s announcement would incentivize internet providers to establish reliable, high-speed broadband in #rural areas FIRST, giving underserved areas more forward-looking networks.”  (Tweet, 1/8/20)

U.S. Chamber of Commerce:  “The Federal Communications Commission and Chairman Pai deserve credit and praise for proposing the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund that would advance economic opportunity, job creation, and civic engagement. All Americans need access to high-speed Internet and the connected economy.”  (Statement, 1/9/20)

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Office of Chairman Ajit Pai: (202) 418-1000
Twitter: @AjitPaiFCC
www.fcc.gov/leadership/ajit-pai

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).