FCC awards over $140 Million to Iowa Broadband Providers DES MOINES — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that it has awarded $143,892,544.40 to 11 broadband providers to bring broadband to rural Iowa. The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I Auction is a federal program focusing on bringing broadband to 10 million Americans. Nearly all rural locations eligible for the award will receive broadband at speeds of 100 Megabits per seconds (Mbps) download, with nearly 85% of eligible locations receiving Gigabit service according to the FCC. “Access to high-speed internet access is an essential part of everyday life. The FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund builds on the efforts we have underway through my empower rural Iowa initiative as well as significant funds we have allocated through the CARES Act,” said Gov. Reynolds. “I appreciate President Trump and his Administration for helping us secure broadband internet access for Iowa’s rural communities.”