By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 3-14-23

The Federal Communications Commission has asked for a budget increase of a little more than 5% for fiscal 2024, given inflation and its goal of getting broadband to 100% of the U.S. in an equitable and inclusive way.

In its budget request to Congress, the FCC said its top priority is the universal broadband the Biden Administration has said should be achievable by the end of the decade.

To do that, the agency said, it wants a 5.3% increase to $410,743,000, up $20,551,000 from fiscal-year 2023’s $390,192,000.

It said the big gaps in deployment are tied to rural deficits, affordability, and the so-called homework gap, or student access to reliable broadband.  » Read More