Broadband improvements in rural Lexington County are moving slowly.

Children in these unserved or under-served areas were shut out during the covid-19 pandemic.

Many are unable to attend classes remotely as they are unable to get online.

Although SC Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott have pushed for it, federal regulations have slowed the start of construction.

The Federal Communications Commission awarded $121,245,987 to South Carolina late last year, SC Office to Regulatory Staff Director Nannette Edwards said.

According to a new analysis by Satelliteinternet.com, the state has been promised $23.55 per SC resident and $163 per rural resident.

“To my knowledge, no company that won an award from the FCC has yet begun construction in SC,” Edwards said.

“In fact, they have to obtain designation first from the Public Service Commission.

“I believe the FCC awards are still subject to modification based on conversations I have had.”

The money will be paid as construction is completed.

No FCC money has been spent yet.

ORS also worked on a broadband grant using federal CARES money, she said.

The analysis found that the state ranks 31st in the US in money promised.

The money was approved 15 months ago in January 2020.

At this rate, many students will have graduated from high school without being able to benefit from online instruction.