USDA opens applications for Broadband Technical Assistance grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently opened a window for qualifying entities to seek grants for technical assistance for broadband projects. A total of $20 million has been allocated to these grants, which will deliver broadband technical assistance and training and support the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives, according to…

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Gov. Reynolds announces assistance for Iowa applicants seeking federal broadband investment

Iowa applicants applying for the USDA “ReConnect” Grant Program will have an advantage applying for the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced this week. The program, announced in December 2018, makes about $600 million in grants and loans available for broadband providers in rural areas that do…

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USDA’s rural broadband plan met with criticism and concerns

Slow speeds, bad coverage and expensive service. These are just some of the concerns contained in nearly 300 public comments on Rural Broadband Pilot Program proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a review by the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting found. Little has been done on the program since…

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