The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) has released a white paper with a new 5G cost model compiled by CostQuest Associates. The model, based on the FCC’s wireless coverage maps, reveals that a total of $36 billion in federal and private investment will be necessary to achieve ubiquitous 5G coverage in rural areas where carriers are unlikely to deploy such services without financial support.
CCA has suggested that the FCC increase the 5G Rural Fund’s $9 billion budget to $20 billion, redirecting funds from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase II budget as the financial assistance needed for fixed deployment in unserved areas is now fully covered by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.