On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the 5G Fund for Rural America, a 10-year, $9 billion program designed to help close the nation’s digital divide. The money will be used to expand 5G wireless broadband connectivity to rural areas of the United States that need this support, including regions without unsubsidized 4G LTE or 5G mobile broadband, and tribal lands.  The 5G Fund comes as the FCC begins the process of assessing bids for the up-to $16 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).  The 5G Fund for Rural America was announced back in December, with the FCC formally adopting the program on Tuesday.