ViaSat Ka-band gateway. Photo: ViaSat

Viasat is set to receive $2.7 million in support from the FCC over ten years to expand rural broadband in Oregon. The Commission on Friday authorized $7.4 million in funding over ten years for tribal provider Redwire and Viasat to expand rural broadband in Oklahoma and Oregon. 

Viasat Carrier Services has pledged to provide 25/3 Mbps service to 3,811 locations in rural Oregon. The funding represents the 13th wave of support from the 2018 Connect America Fund Phase II auction. The FCC said providers must build out to 40% of the assigned homes and businesses in the areas won in a state within three years. Buildout must increase by 20% in each subsequent year, until complete buildout is reached at the end of the sixth year. In total, the Connect America Fund Phase II Auction in 2018 allocated $1.488 billion in support over the next ten years to expand broadband to more than 700,000 unserved rural homes and small businesses in 45 states.

“Bringing broadband to unserved rural homes and businesses in Oklahoma and Oregon will make a real difference to these communities and continue our progress in closing the digital divide,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “I am determined to do everything possible to ensure all Americans are able to access online resources for work, education, and healthcare. The FCC is delivering real value at a critical time for our nation, particularly to those living in unconnected rural areas.”