The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday it has awarded more than $342 million in broadband and telecommunications loans to 18 communications providers.
The money will fund rural network build-outs in 22 states.
Slated projects include Fort Mojave Telecommunications Inc.’s plan to use $16.9 million to connect 60 subscribers, deploy 36 route miles of fiber and copper cables, add to its existing plant and build a 2,000-square-foot warehouse. Fort Mojave Telecommunications operates in Mojave Valley, Ariz.
Another company, International Broadband Electric Communications Inc., in Hokes Bluff, Ala., will get $49.2 million to construct a BPL network. The company will partner with 13 electric utilities in seven states to connect 62,143 subscribers.
And TCT West Inc. in Basin, Wyo., will take $11.4 million to build a FTTH system in Cody, Wyo., that will connect 7,278 subscribers and provide enhanced services to more than 5,000 video and more than 9,000 voice subscribers.
The loans are provided through the Rural Development Broadband Loan and Loan Guarantee Program. Applicants must serve communities of 20,000 or fewer residents. The Agriculture Department gives priority to areas without broadband.
