Wireless Coalition Urges FCC Focus on Funding 5G

The Coalition of Rural Wireless Carriers urged the FCC to stay focused on the need to fund 5G, in a series of calls with commission staff. Since NTIA was assigned to administer the broadband equity, access and deployment program, the FCC can focus “substantial attention on improving mobile broadband in rural America,” the group said: “The Commission can and should complement BEAD investments with a 5G Fund auction that enables mobile broadband providers to fill in unserved areas and improve underserved areas to a level of 5G service that is reasonably comparable to service available in urban areas.” The group spoke with aides to all commissioners but Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, and staff from the Office of Economics and Analytics and Wireline Bureau, said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 21-476.