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January 27, 2021
BEC wins nearly $1.7 million in FCC Rural Broadband Auction
Bandera Electric Cooperative won $1,689,601 in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction to deploy high-speed, fiber-optic broadband service to 534 additional meters within its service territory.
BEC was one of 180 winning bidders in the auction with the 10-year support totaling $9.23 billion, covering 49 states and one territory. The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction is the largest reverse auction to date and is part of the FCC’s effort to bridge the digital divide.
The funds from the FCC will help BEC advance its vision of Reimagining Rural America by making broadband access available to more members.
“BEC has a fiduciary responsibility to its member-owners, and we are resolute in searching for strategic ways to make the most of members’ resources,” said Shane Schmidt, BEC fiber manager. “Our goal is to have 10,000 members connected by the end of 2021.”
BEC currently serves portions of Bandera, Kendall, Kerr and Real counties, and offers fiber service to more than 55% of its members. BEC is on pace to connect 2,500 subscribers this year, expanding fiber availability to 4,200 new locations. To find out if fiber service is available in your area, please visit BanderaElectric.com/FiberService.
About Bandera Electric
Bandera Electric Cooperative currently serves more than 27,000 members and provides highly reliable electric service to more than 36,000 meters in a seven-county territory in the Texas Hill Country. As a member-owned cooperative, BEC continually searches for new, innovative programs to promote energy efficiency and quality member service. Find more information about BEC at BanderaElectric.com or by calling 866-226-3372.
BEC was one of 180 winning bidders in the auction with the 10-year support totaling $9.23 billion, covering 49 states and one territory. The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction is the largest reverse auction to date and is part of the FCC’s effort to bridge the digital divide.
The funds from the FCC will help BEC advance its vision of Reimagining Rural America by making broadband access available to more members.
“BEC has a fiduciary responsibility to its member-owners, and we are resolute in searching for strategic ways to make the most of members’ resources,” said Shane Schmidt, BEC fiber manager. “Our goal is to have 10,000 members connected by the end of 2021.”
BEC currently serves portions of Bandera, Kendall, Kerr and Real counties, and offers fiber service to more than 55% of its members. BEC is on pace to connect 2,500 subscribers this year, expanding fiber availability to 4,200 new locations. To find out if fiber service is available in your area, please visit BanderaElectric.com/FiberService.
About Bandera Electric
Bandera Electric Cooperative currently serves more than 27,000 members and provides highly reliable electric service to more than 36,000 meters in a seven-county territory in the Texas Hill Country. As a member-owned cooperative, BEC continually searches for new, innovative programs to promote energy efficiency and quality member service. Find more information about BEC at BanderaElectric.com or by calling 866-226-3372.