The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday voted to invest up to $170 million in broadband expansion in New York state.
The move is the first official action that the FCC has taken under Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican commissioner who moved into the new role on Monday.
“Broadband is critical to economic opportunity and job creation,” Pai said in a statement. “This is a first step of many to fulfill my promise to empower Americans with online opportunities, no matter who they are and no matter where they live.”
{mosads}The funds, combined with an additional $200 million in state funding and private investments, will be used to support expanding broadband in rural New York communities.
Rural broadband expansion efforts have been endorsed by lawmakers of all stripes this year, with both parties calling for it to be included as part of President Trump’s expected infrastructure plan.