AT&T Inc., the Puerto Rico Telephone Company, and T-Mobile US Inc. will receive a combined $238 million to improve broadband in two U.S. territories devastated by hurricanes, the Federal Communications Commission said Monday.
The companies sought the aid for service in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which were hit with Hurricanes Irma and Maria nearly three years ago.
AT&T will receive $101.8 million; Puerto Rico Telephone Company, $76.6 million; and T-Mobile, $59.6 million; according to an FCC statement.
The money comes from the FCC’s Universal Service Fund, which is raised from monthly fees on consumers’ phone bills.
The companies, in order to receive the aid, had to give the FCC their plans for emergency preparation, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring back-up power, the commission said.
“Consumers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will benefit from the next generation of wireless connectivity,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in the statement.
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