SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The Federal Communications Commission says 784 new road miles in South Dakota will gain access to advanced mobile networks as part of auctions associated with the new Connect America Fund.
The FCC says Standing Rock Communications Inc. will receive nearly $2.3 million to fill gaps in 3G and 4G coverage in Corson County, where advanced wireless service is lacking.
The FCC recently retooled the Universal Service Fund, which has traditionally subsidized rural phone service, to bring it into the digital age. Its goal is to get broadband to all of rural America by 2020.
Nationwide, 38 companies and subsidiaries submitted more than 900 bids to cover up to 83,000 miles.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
