FCC, NTIA, USDA to Track Broadband Deployment Funds
The FCC, NTIA and the Department of Agriculture agreed to "share information about and coordinate the distribution of federal broadband deployment funds," said the FCC Friday. They will consult and share information about funding distribution from FCC high-cost programs, Rural Utilities Services programs and NTIA-administered programs. The agencies will share information about areas served, speeds and technology, and whether an area gets funds through a program. "We’ll be better able to meet our shared goal of getting 100% of Americans connected," said FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said this "lays important groundwork for collaboration between agencies to ensure the federal government’s efforts to expand broadband access are as effective and efficient as possible."