News

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced nearly 0 million in funding to expand high-speed broadband access in rural communities across the country. The funding comes from the USDA’s ReConnect Program, which is providing 7 million in grants and loans for broadband projects in 22 states and the Marshall Islands.

The goal is to bring broadband access to areas that currently lack speeds of at least 100Mbps down and 20Mbps up. Recipients of the funding will be required to build infrastructure capable of providing upload and download speeds of 100Mbps, exceeding the Federal Communications Commission’s existing speed minimums.

The funding is part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated billion to expand access to affordable high-speed broadband and achieve universal connectivity by 2030. The USDA’s approved projects will serve a range of communities, from a few households to thousands, including businesses, farms, and educational facilities.

For example, the Scott County Telephone Cooperative in Virginia will receive a million grant to connect over 17,000 people, 1,018 businesses, 37 farms, and 49 educational facilities. On a smaller scale, Wave Wireless in Iowa will receive nearly 0,000, benefiting 228 people, six businesses, and around 40 farms.

The Biden administration has been actively distributing billions of dollars to meet its broadband expansion goals since the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package. In June, over billion was distributed to states based on need, with every state receiving at least 0 million. The Affordable Connectivity Program, authorized under the law, also received .2 billion to extend a subsidy that lowers the cost of internet packages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The USDA’s broadband funding not only aims to improve internet access for rural communities but also supports farmers in accessing emerging technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote carbon removal. High-speed internet access is crucial for farmers to take advantage of new market opportunities and utilize technology effectively.

The Biden administration is committed to expanding broadband access across the country, from urban centers to remote rural areas, to ensure equal opportunities for all Americans.

The post The Biden Administration Awards Billions in Broadband Funding appeared first on satProviders.