The Federal Communications Commission is now accepting applications from broadband providers of all kinds to participate in this summer’s Connect America Fund Phase II reverse auction.

In Sussex County, there are 2,641 locations eligible for service. In Kent County, there are 1,117 eligible service locations. 

Providers must submit their applications by Friday, March 30.

To apply, go to www.auctions.fcc.gov. The auction will make available up to $1.98 billion in support over the next decade to help build out high-speed internet access to up to 1 million homes and small businesses in rural areas across the country that lack service. 

“This is a unique opportunity for broadband providers to expand their service,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “More important, this is a unique opportunity to bring digital opportunity to parts of rural America that have been bypassed by the broadband revolution. I hope that all eligible providers will give this opportunity a hard look and choose to participate.”

The auction will provide opportunities for new and existing providers using a variety of technologies to compete for support, including phone companies, fixed wireless providers, satellite providers, cable companies, and rural electric utilities.

The auction is scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 24.