Wireless and broadband communications networks in the US island territories were devastated after Hurricanes Maria and Irma swept through the region in September.

As of Monday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said 4.3% of cell sites in Puerto Rico and 14% of sites in the US Virgin Islands remained out of service.

“The FCC’s work is far from over,” FCC chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement. “With the 2018 hurricane season less than three months away, we need to take bold and decisive action.”

Pai wants to spend US$64 million (RM250 million) on short-term restoration, US$631 million (RM2.462 billion) on long-term funding for the restoration and expansion of fixed broadband, and US$259 million (RM1.01 billion) on medium-term funding for the restoration and expansion of 4G LTE mobile broadband connectivity.

The plan needs FCC approval and would be largely funded by the Universal Service Fund, which provides federal subsidies to companies to make communications services more accessible and affordable in places where the cost is high.

In October, the FCC approved US$77 million (RM300 million) to fund repairs in the islands.

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democrat, is visiting Puerto Rico this week and Pai will visit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands later this week.