Viasat will receive $122.5 million in U.S. federal subsidies through the Connect America Fund, and is tasked with providing internet access to more sites than any of the other funding recipients. The Federal Communications Commission selected 103 internet service providers as part of the program’s phase two auction, which doles out $1.5 billion over the next 10 years to connect more than 700,000 homes and businesses. Viasat was the only satellite operator selected, and has the highest number of locations to connect: 190,595 sites across 20 states. Internet service providers have three years to connect 40 percent of the sites, with full buildout completed by the end of the sixth year.
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-353840A1.pdf
Posted 2 years ago
Bev, Champion
All well and good, but they come into rural areas like mine, where the average income is very low compared to the national average and, expect these people to pay 100.00 or more per month. As my stepson learned, that's a LOT of money when you bring home under 400.00 per week and have to pay rent, gas to get to and from work and, buy groceries.
Viasat simply isn't affordable for these people they want to serve. It would have to be around 20.00 per month to get these people out here to sign up. Otherwise they just go to Wal Mart, buy a Straight Talk card and, use a phone for minimal internet access, if they really need it. (like kid's school work.)
Only way I afford it here is that my husband works out of state so, makes a lot more than anyone who works locally could. the BEST paying job around here pays 14.50/hr and, that takes a test to qualify for with high math skills and, you have to have a commercial driver's licence and a high school diploma or GED, which many in areas like this don't have.
100/month just doesn't work for people in areas like this.
Viasat simply isn't affordable for these people they want to serve. It would have to be around 20.00 per month to get these people out here to sign up. Otherwise they just go to Wal Mart, buy a Straight Talk card and, use a phone for minimal internet access, if they really need it. (like kid's school work.)
Only way I afford it here is that my husband works out of state so, makes a lot more than anyone who works locally could. the BEST paying job around here pays 14.50/hr and, that takes a test to qualify for with high math skills and, you have to have a commercial driver's licence and a high school diploma or GED, which many in areas like this don't have.
100/month just doesn't work for people in areas like this.
Tell Stephen that Bev. He doesnt understand :).
I know a lot of folks in my area who just tether their phone to a laptop and use that as their primary internet. Most won't get satellite internet because of its inherent limitations and the price.
2 years to add 190k users, that will be well before VS3 is open to active users. The contract sets speed limits that we "up to" none subsidized users dont get. Wonder if we will be slowed to let these new users online?
Will be interesting to see how it plays out. We already have different plans and pricing depending on beam and direction of the wind. It would only add one more layer to have speeds vary based on what program people sign up under.
More than likely, though, the service will either need to get better, be cheaper, or both to get anywhere near those numbers.
More than likely, though, the service will either need to get better, be cheaper, or both to get anywhere near those numbers.
What are they going to use the money for? Are they going to "subsidize" pricing in the census blocks that qualify for funding similar to the Lifeline program for cell phones for low income? Will these special census block areas have their own plans/pricing?
Or are they just going to bank this money for the next satellite launch?
Or are they just going to bank this money for the next satellite launch?
Use the money to increase, improve the coverage, i think that is what the grant is for.
Like sending an astronaut up to go fix Viasat-2? Lol
Our rural power company also received a grant and are currently installing Fiber optic cable in the county. Service is currently in some areas of the county 87 dollars, no caps, 30 Mbps.
I'm sure other rural areas (power companies) they already have a good deal of the infrastructure, will be taking part in this program.
I'm sure other rural areas (power companies) they already have a good deal of the infrastructure, will be taking part in this program.
That's fantastic!!!
Jim16
david lightsey
Jim16