Deb Collins
Public Service Commission
Lincoln, March 26, 2024- The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an Order in docket NUSF-131 awarding nearly $21 million in winning bids for broadband buildout to more than 1,100 unserved Nebraska households as a result of its 2024 Reverse Auction.
The 2024 reverse auction was designed to provide broadband capable voice service to rural areas where telecommunication carriers Frontier and Windstream have traditionally provided only voice service by redistributing Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) support that was either unused or withheld from the two companies.
“We are extremely pleased with participation and outcome of the 2024 reverse auction,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “The bids awarded will help these companies connect unserved households in rural Nebraska.”
Bidding in the reverse auction began on January 22 with the final round held on March 11. Four entities were ultimately awarded bids in the reverse auction. The winning bidders consisted of Great Plains Communications, the Hamilton Consortium, Midstates Communications and Pinpoint Communications. More details on the areas that were awarded bids can be found on the Commissions broadband map at < https://broadbandmap.nebraska.gov >.
The PSC awarded $5,726,880 of an available $5,845,893 in support for Windstream areas and$15,235,366 of an available $15,996,054.50 for Frontier areas.
Commissioner Watermeier said, “This process is proving to be a valuable method in ensuring distributed NUSF funds are being used for broadband buildout to Nebraska’s unserved areas.”