Funding for Rural Cellphone Service in USA

Dobson Cellular Systems says that it has been designated as an eligible carrier to receive funds from the Universal Service Funds that are used to subsidize telecommunications services in rural areas. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska designating it as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) for certain areas in Alaska. Dobson also announced that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has voted to designate Dobson's subsidiary, American Cellular Corporation, as an ETC for certain areas in Minnesota.

The written order from the Minnesota PUC is expected to be issued within the next two weeks.

These actions will result in Dobson's receipt of approximately US$30 million of federal universal service support annually, based on current funding projections and subscriber counts. The funds will be used to support and improve the networks serving the designated areas resulting in an expansion of services and coverage to residents of rural Alaska and Minnesota."

Posted to the site on 30th January 2006