WASHINGTON — The FCC on Monday authorized over $47.5 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to 18,805 unserved rural Virginia homes and businesses.
This expansion is part of the third wave of support from the successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction.
The FCC said providers will begin receiving funding this month.
In Virginia, $36.9 million was authorized in May and June. Monday's authorization brings the total to $84.5 million, which will connect 32,660 homes and businesses to modern broadband.
Nationwide, the auction last fall allocated $1.488 billion in support to expand broadband to more than 700,000 unserved rural homes and small businesses over the next 10 years.
“High-speed Internet provides access to opportunity in the 21st century, and the FCC’s top priority is closing the digital divide so that all Americans can fully participate in our connected society,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Today’s authorization of funding is the largest yet from the auction, nearly the double the amount authorized in the first two rounds nationwide, and serving over twice as many rural homes and businesses. I am pleased that the Commission is moving quickly to authorize these funds to close the digital divide in rural Virginia and other states.”
Virginia counties that will receive funding include Isle of Wight, Surry, Sussex, Lunenburg, and Prince George.
