LTD Broadband has filed a petition for review of the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to deny it funding as part of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
The company, which largely offers fixed wireless broadband, filed a request for judicial review with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on February 2, contesting the agency decision on December 4.
I recently posted a recap of the situation with LTD Broadband in Minnesota shared by the MN Public Utilities Commission. Very briefly, LTD Broadband was awarded the chance to bid of building broadband in Minnesota. Then the funding was denied. A byproduct of that series of events is that the MN PUC is now looking at revoking LTD’s ETC designation. In a recent meeting with the PUC, LTD Broadband referred to the “unlikely event that the FCC does ultimately approve the long form [application for funds]…
It will be interesting to see how the petition regarding the FCC will go.
Has the FCC indicated what it’s doing about the areas that were awarded to LTC? I don’t recall if you’ve put something out about that. I’m wondering what would happen if the FTC’s determination is invalidated by the court. Would that reinstated LTC’s right to develop services in those areas?
Good questions. As far as I know the FCC isn’t doing anything specific in those areas. The money allocated for those areas goes back into the hopper but, it’s my understanding that wouldn’t be earmarked for the same area.
Also, mu understanding is that the FCC has “unawarded” the funding but that doesn’t impact LTD’s ability to deploy broadband without RDOF money.
Does that she any light?
Yes, that’s helpful. I’m fairly certain that some tracts awarded to LTC have been or will be served by providers with alternative funding sources. As you’re well aware, we still have numerous unserved areas that will require additional funding to make expansion feasible. I appreciate what you do to try to stay on top of things – it really is a big chore!
Thank you! So much is happening. And I’m seeing a lot of broadband-adjacent bills popping up in the Legislature. So that gives me more to check out.