South Carolina ranks 31st in broadband funding distribution

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New analysis from a satellite internet and television research company found that South Carolina ranks 31st in the country in funding support per resident in Phase 1 distribution of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund dollars.

The Federal Communications Commission allocated $9.2 million to telecom and broadband companies in 49 states to expand broadband in rural America in unserved areas from October to November 2020. The framework for the fund, which will award $20.4 million during a 10-year period, was established in January 2020, and Phase II will cover partially served areas and other locations not funded in Phase 1.  

A timetable for Phase II has not yet been announced.

Satelliteinternet.com analyzed the distribution of Phase 1 dollars in a report published March 30. The analysis found that South Carolina was awarded a total of $121,245,987, or $23.55 per resident and $163 per rural resident.

The funding averaged $43 per resident, according to the analysis.

South Carolina is one of 22 states with some form of municipal broadband restrictions.

New England states had the least funding per resident, ranging from $1.18 per resident in Connecticut to $4.73 in Massachusetts. New York ranked fifth-lowest at $5.13 per resident.

West Virginia allocated the most money per resident at $202.03.

The FCC has a separate, $1.5 billion program for Alaska.