The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) last week announced $11.3 million in grants for broadband Internet providers to serve communities in rural America.
The Community Connect Grant Program is designed for underserved communities under 20,000 inhabitants. It is part of the 2002 Federal Farm Bill and provides the funding to connect rural communities.
“This round of grant funding helps build upon the success of the 2002 program. This program will allow 34 rural, economically challenged communities to finally provide high-speed Internet access for schools, libraries and other critical community facilities -- including residential and local businesses,” says Damian Kunko, CEO of the Rural Broadband Coalition (RBC).
Blue Moon Solutions was selected to receive $1 million to build a broadband Internet network in two Texas communities. MA TechTel Communications received $430,000 under this grant program.
