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Biden Administration Announces 7 Million Investment in Rural Broadband Infrastructure
The Biden administration is taking steps to expand internet access across the United States with a new investment of about 7 million. The funding will be used to build more broadband infrastructure in rural areas, with the goal of providing internet access to all Americans by 2030.
The announcement was made by Mitch Landrieu, the White House’s infrastructure coordinator, who emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child has equal access to education resources. He stated, “no kid should have to sit in the back of a mama’s car in a McDonald’s parking lot in order to do homework.”
This funding represents the fourth round of grants and loans under the ReConnect program led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In previous rounds, 37 projects received 1.4 million in funding. The latest round will benefit 37 new recipients.
The largest award of over million went to Ponderosa Telephone Co. in California, which will deploy fiber networks in Fresno County. This effort will benefit over 1,200 people, 12 farms, and 26 other businesses. The recipients of these grants and loans are based in 22 states and the Marshall Islands.
The areas receiving funding currently lack access to internet speeds that meet the federal government’s definition of being “underserved.” The recipients are mandated to build networks that provide internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps upload and 100 Mbps download for every household, business, and farm in their service areas.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the potential economic opportunities that these investments could bring to farmers and the improved access to healthcare through telemedicine. He also noted the potential for increased academic offerings, including Advanced Placement courses in high schools.
The Biden administration sees these investments as a key step in bridging the digital divide and creating more opportunities for rural Americans.
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