US officials unveiled plans to accelerate deployment of 5G wireless networks, including new funding to bring the ultrafast systems to remote rural areas.

At a White House event, the Federal Communications Commission announced new spectrum auctions for 5G systems and said a $20.4 billion fund would be established to help build high-speed broadband networks in rural areas over the next decade.

The new 5G networks “will improve Americans’ lives in so many ways,” said FCC chairman Ajit Pai.

“From precision agriculture to smart transportation networks to telemedicine and more, we want Americans to be the first to benefit from this new digital revolution, while protecting our innovators and citizens. And we don’t want rural Americans to be left behind.”
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