The Chairman of Mississippi’s Public Service Commission has been in Washington this week, voicing his support for an FCC proposal that could expand broadband access in Mississippi.
PSC Chairman Dane Maxwell has met with White House and FCC officials to discuss the ‘Rural Digital Opportunity Fund’, which if passed, would use over $20 billion to target areas that lack access to 25/3 Megabytes per second broadband services.
The FCC says that the money would specifically be distributed to rural areas in an effort to close the digital divide, and it could assist up to 231,000 Mississippi homes and businesses.
“My goal is to be a voice for Mississippi so that we can get this much-needed service to as many people as possible,” Maxwell said. “This would be a massive positive step for Mississippi and provide opportunities in economic development, education, healthcare, and many other areas. As one of the most rural states in the country, Mississippi and its rural communities are at risk of being left behind. That’s why I’m committed to making sure that Washington keeps this issue a top priority.”
The fund would be facilitated in a reverse auction format directed at providers engaged in the process of expansion of broadband services.
The FCC is set to vote on the proposal on January 30th.
