FCC approves $4.9B in funding for rural broadband improvements

The FCC has just approved nearly five billion dollars in subsidies for rural broadband operators to be paid out over the next 10 years. Recipients of this windfall will have to "maintain, improve, and expand" their broadband infrastructure, especially in underserved areas. Carriers in 39 states, American Samoa and many tribal lands will receive varying amounts of funding depending on the number of people they serve, the cost of providing that service and so on.