WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE FCC’S RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND PHASE I AUCTION-- 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY):  “@FCC is allocating $148 million to connect 200,000 rural Kentuckians to high-speed broadband through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.”  (Tweet, 12/8/20)

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Roger Wicker (MS):  “This first round of funds from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund will make an incredible difference in the state of Mississippi as we work toward connecting every person to reliable high-speed internet.”  (Statement, 12/7/20)

Senator Marsha Blackburn (TN):  “This week we have great news on the rural broadband front! . . . On Monday, the FCC awarded almost $150 million in funding to expand rural broadband in Tennessee.  With this funding, we are one step closer to closing the digital divide in our state.”  (Statement, 12/13/20)

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV):  “I hope naysayers will take notice that not only are smaller West Virginia providers eligible and competing in these federal auctions, but they are also winning. . . . [T]his news demonstrates another step forward in our goal to better connect West Virginia at a time when connectivity is more important than ever. . . . The FCC has been a tremendous partner in supporting my Capito Connect initiative, and programs like RDOF that specifically focus on rural America are critical in our fight to establish affordable, reliable broadband in West Virginia.”  (Statement, 12/7/20)

Senator Jon Tester (MT):  “Fast, reliable internet service is critical, especially as we continue working, learning, and socializing from home.  But too many folks in Montana . . . don’t have access altogether, and this groundbreaking investment will help bring those homes and businesses into the 21st century.”  (Statement, 12/7/20)

Senator Chuck Grassley (IA):  “FCC just completed Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction.  For Iowa 11 bidders won support of close to $144M to deploy high-speed broadband to unserved homes + businesses to help close the digital divide.  Reliable broadband is critically impt for Iowa families/businesses.”  (Tweet, 12/10/20)

Senator Lindsey Graham (SC):  “This is very good news for South Carolina. . . . This funding is critical for expanding broadband access in South Carolina and drastically improves access in rural and underserved areas.”  (Statement, 12/9/20)

Senator Sherrod Brown (OH):  “By expanding access to broadband internet, we can make it easier for Ohioans to make a living, learn online and keep in touch with loved ones.  Especially now, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, connectivity is more important than ever.  Today’s announcement is good news for our state and our ability to remain connected.”  (Statement, 12/7/20)

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH):  “Granite Staters need access to reliable internet to work and learn from home, access essential health care services, stay in touch with one another, shop and so much more.  That’s why this significant investment by the FCC is so important – it’s a step towards closing the digital gap between urban and rural areas in our state and ensuring all Granite State communities have access to the affordable, high speed internet they need.”  (Statement, 12/14/20)

Senator Joe Manchin (WV):  “Today’s announcement is great news for West Virginia.  This first phase of funding will help our state deploy broadband access to nearly 120,000 locations across the Mountain State, bringing Internet access to West Virginians in rural and mountainous regions of the state.  This funding will connect unserved areas across the state, helping students complete their schoolwork, ensuring our small businesses can compete nationally and globally, and providing seniors and Veterans with access to telehealth services.”  (Statement, 12/7/20)

Senator John Boozman (AR):  “All Arkansans deserve access to high-speed broadband.  We’ve seen how necessary this is for education, health care and commerce.  This investment in our state is a good step toward closing the digital divide.”  (Tweet, 12/8/20)

Senator Martin Heinrich (NM):  “The challenges over this last year in accessing virtual learning, online economic opportunities, and telehealth services have only reinforced the importance of bringing high-speed broadband service to all of our communities.  That’s why I am proud to welcome this important federal funding to bring internet service to rural and Tribal communities all across New Mexico.”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

Senator Maggie Hassan (NH):  “These federal dollars will help expand internet access to Granite Staters, which is even more urgent amid this pandemic that has forced many of us to move our work and school online.”  (Statement, 12/14/20)

Senator John Kennedy (LA):  “Louisianians without broadband access deserve the same educational and work opportunities that Americans who have high-speed internet already enjoy. . . . I’m glad to see the FCC invest $342 million to expand broadband access to 175,000 Louisiana families and businesses.  It’s past time to build out this infrastructure.”  (Statement, 12/8/20)

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS):  “Rural and underserved Mississippi communities need and deserve access to high-speed, high quality internet services.  The $495.7M from @FCC
for MS help us get there.”  (Tweet, 12/8/20)

Former Senator Tom Udall (NM):  “This groundbreaking funding will connect rural communities in New Mexico to high-quality broadband services. . . . This funding represents a critical step forward to bridge the digital divide in tens of thousands of locations in New Mexico that will connect schools, hospitals, and businesses in rural communities like never before.”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

Former Senator David Perdue (GA):  “Thanks to @FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, over 373,000 rural Georgians will gain access to high-speed broadband.  A critical step toward closing the digital divide.”  (Tweet, 12/9/20)

Rep. Fred Upton (MI):  “Today’s announcement marks an important day in our efforts to deliver broadband to every American.  As folks continue to work, take classes, and utilize telehealth services from home, we need to continue to work together to expand high-speed internet to rural communities across southwest Michigan.”  (Statement, 12/8/20)

Rep. Michael Burgess (TX):  “Thanks to the @FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, 24 homes & businesses in Denton county and 182 homes & businesses in Tarrant county will soon gain access to high-speed broadband.”  (Tweet, 12/7/20)

Rep. Bill Johnson (OH):  “This is big news for many areas of rural Ohio that are on the wrong side of the rural-urban digital divide.  The need for our children to use the internet for distance learning, the demand for businesses to allow their employees to remotely work from home, and the need for internet access to support advances in telehealth have demonstrated how critically important it is that we in rural Ohio get access to high-speed broadband internet.  I commend the chairman and his team for their hard work . . . to accomplish this historic milestone[.]”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

Rep. Billy Long (MO):  “This innovative and groundbreaking auction will provide countless Southwest Missourians and Americans across the country with the high speed and reliable broadband services they’ve been denied for far too long by delivering fast and reliable connectivity to underserved areas.  I applaud FCC Chairman Pai and the FCC’s efforts to swiftly and efficiently address this problem, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to address this problem.”  (Statement, 12/10/20)

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK):  “Rural consumers need the bandwidth necessary to deliver educational opportunities for children and adults, telemedicine care for patients, news and entertainment content to consumers, and more markets for businesses’ goods and services.  This investment will help ensure rural Oklahomans are not left behind in the Internet economy.”  (Statement, 12/10/20)

Rep. Annie Kuster (NH):  “Access to broadband is crucial for Granite Staters who depend on high-speed internet for tele-health services, for work, and to receive an education. . . . This funding will help ensure Granite Staters living in rural areas of New Hampshire have access to the high-speed internet they need to live, work, and thrive.”  (Statement, 12/14/20)

Rep. Tim Ryan (OH):  “The success of this project is a huge step in the right direction to ensure every Ohioan has the opportunity to thrive – during this pandemic and beyond.  I applaud these efforts, and I will continue to support efforts to get everyone in our community covered.”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

Rep. Glenn Thompson (IN):  “$368+ MILLION for #RuralBroadband development in Pennsylvania.  This investment is critical for rural communities to thrive.  From telework to telemedicine, content streaming to online shopping, we depend on reliable connectivity every day—far more than we may realize!”  (Tweet, 12/7/20)

Rep. Andy Barr (KY):  “Great news for rural broadband in Kentucky!  Today, the FCC announced that Kentucky Sixth District Counties will receive $22 million in funding to expand rural broadband through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I Auction.”  (Tweet, 12/8/20)

Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY):  “The FCC’s announcement that unserved regions across New York, including significant portions of the North Country, have been allocated funding to complete rural broadband buildout projects is a critical step towards bridging the digital divide.”  (Statement, 12/8/20)

Rep. Jack Bergman (MI):  “The results of the FCC’s auction are an important next step in connecting unserved Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula constituents and businesses who lack access to highspeed broadband internet.”  (Statement, 12/8/20)

Rep. Clay Higgins (LA):  “These investments provide much-needed support and help lessen connectivity gaps in Louisiana’s rural communities.  We support those efforts and will continue working to expand reliable and high-quality broadband access throughout Louisiana.”  (Statement, 12/8/20)

Rep. Mike Johnson (LA):  “The pandemic has shown us that now, more than ever, Louisianians must have access to the e-commerce marketplace, telehealth visits, online education opportunities, and all of the other benefits that come with increased connectivity.  This latest federal investment for expanded broadband in our rural areas is a strong step in the right direction.”  (Statement, 12/7/20)

Rep. David Kustoff (TN):  “This is great news!  TN will get over $148 million to expand broadband to rural communities across the state.  Reliable & affordable internet is vital to support edu, business development, & economic growth.  Thanks @FCC Chair @AjitPaiFCC for this funding!”  (Tweet, 12/7/20)

Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA):  “Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction allocated nearly $14 million in Lancaster & York to provide broadband internet access to over 8,500 unserved homes or businesses.  Thank you @FCC for supporting rural broadband.”  (Tweet, 12/15/20)

Rep. Deb Haaland (NM):  “All communities across New Mexico have a right to high-quality broadband internet, especially in the midst of a global pandemic and recession.  Funding like this is key to ensuring access to telehealth, economic and educational opportunities in rural communities.”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

Rep. Chris Pappas (NH):  “These funds will go a long way in connecting Granite State residents and small businesses with the broadband they need to access ever expanding educational opportunities, e-commerce, and essential tele-health services.”  (Statement, 12/14/20)

Rep. Greg Pence (IN):  “Access to safe, modern, and efficient infrastructure impacts nearly every rural community and industry in the nation, from agriculture to health care and medicine.  Connecting our rural communities is one of my top priorities, and with this funding from the FCC, we are one step closer to closing the digital divide.”  (Statement, 12/7/20)

Former Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (NM):  “Closing the digital divide is one of the most urgent issues facing New Mexico.  As we continue to fight the COVID-19 crisis, good, reliable internet is essential to helping families access lifesaving resources, connecting healthcare providers to patients, allowing students to continue their education, and keeping our small businesses afloat. . . . This cutting-edge program will help providers quickly build key broadband infrastructure so schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and families stay connected at a time they need it the most.”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

Governor Tom Wolf (PA):  “If we want to support our economy, give our students the tools to learn, and improve quality of life, we must expand broadband access. . . . As a result of this auction, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians will gain this access, which is a significant step toward bridging the digital divide.”  (Statement, 12/10/20)

Governor John Bel Edwards (LA):  “This allocation will go a long way in increasing the connectivity of hundreds of thousands of Louisianans, which will improve their ability to participate and compete in an ever-growing digital world.”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

Governor Jim Justice (WV):  “I am so proud of several great, entrepreneurial West Virginia companies for stepping up and committing to expand broadband for rural West Virginia. . . . With their investment into our communities . . . they are truly going to make a lasting, tangible difference for broadband connectivity all across West Virginia. . . . This is a huge step forward[.]”  (Tweet, 12/7/20)

Governor Kim Reynolds (IA):  “Access to high-speed internet access is an essential part of everyday life. Access to high-speed internet access is an essential part of everyday life. The FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund builds on the efforts we have underway through my empower rural Iowa initiative . . .  I appreciate . . . [the] Administration for helping us secure broadband internet access for Iowa’s rural communities.”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

Governor Mike Parson (MO):  “Missouri is set to receive more than $346 million from the @FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction to expand broadband access to nearly 200,000 locations throughout the state.  Receiving these funds is great news for our state!”  (Tweet, 12/9/20)

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II (MI):  “Over the coming years, these broadband projects will have a major impact in making sure Michigan is a home of opportunity for all.”  (Statement, 12/22/20)

State Senator Gene Yaw (PA):  “Access to broadband, especially for those who tele-work, senior citizens, fire and emergency workers and students who are taking classes remotely has become even more crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This funding will benefit thousands of my constituents who currently lack internet service.”  (Statement, 12/11/20)

State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (PA):  “The commitment by the FCC to Pennsylvania is a testament to the groundwork we laid over the last two years.”  (Statement, 12/8/20)

State Rep. Pam Snyder (PA):  “This is great news to help our ongoing efforts to connect the residents in our region to reliable, affordable broadband access.  Whether you’re a student, a business owner or a healthcare provider, this access is a necessity, especially now during this ongoing pandemic.”  (Statement, 12/8/20)

State Rep. Donna Lasinski (MI):  “Expanding internet access is critical to the future of our local community’s and our state’s economy.  These funds are welcomed news[.]”  (Statement, 12/18/20)

Mississippi Public Utility Commission Chairman Dane Maxwell:  “I’m very excited about this and what it means for our state.  The issue of highspeed internet is an issue that we have to face head-on during these unique times.  I appreciate the leadership of the FCC Commissioners and for the opportunity to work closely with them to bring these funds home to Mississippi.”  (Statement, 12/7/20)

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille:  “This is a success for everyone in Pennsylvania . . . .  This hard work will help residents and businesses in underserved regions get access to more high-speed broadband services.”  (Statement, 12/9/20)

National Grange:  “The sound regulatory approach and carefully calibrated incentives championed by the FCC have delivered results, yielding $9.2 billion in support during this first Phase.  We applaud the continued efforts of the FCC to expand high-speed internet access to rural communities that are too often neglected or underserved.”  (Statement, 12/8/20)

Rural & Agriculture Council of America:  “Our nation’s farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers cannot continue to be overlooked when it comes to expanding the benefits of connectivity.  Fortunately, the FCC this week delivered on an important promise to continue expanding access to broadband connectivity in America’s rural communities across 49 states.  The completion of the RDOF Phase I auction demonstrates that there is significant momentum behind the FCC’s efforts to close the digital divide.  We thank the FCC for helping to ensure that high-speed, affordable internet access will continue to be extended further into rural communities to reach those that need it most.”  (Statement, 12/16/20)


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Office of Chairman 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).