FCC launches Healthcare Connect Fund
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it will make up to $400 million available through the Healthcare Connect Fund, a new program to support telemedicine links between urban medical centers and rural clinics.
The program builds off the FCC’s rural healthcare pilot. It is intended to foster the development of broadband healthcare networks and increase broadband access for rural healthcare providers, according to a Jan. 7 statement. Public hospitals, nonprofit hospitals, rural healthcare clinics and community health centers accepted into the program will be eligible for up to 65 percent discount on broadband services, equipment and connections to research and academic networks.
The FCC will begin accepting applications for the program in late summer.