Rural Broadband Access Loan & Loan Guarantee Program

What is the purpose of the program? Who is eligible to apply? How can funds be used? How much assistance can our group apply for?           When can we apply for assistance? How will our application be evaluated? How do we apply?

What is the purpose of the program?  return to top
The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program is designed to assist with the development of broadband services in eligible rural communities. The program's goal is to ensure that rural consumers enjoy the same quality and range of telecommunications services that are available in urban and suburban communities.

Who is eligible to apply?  return to top

• Eligible organizations must provide, or propose to provide, broadband services in eligible rural communities with a population of 20,000 or less.
• Types of eligible organizations include the following:
• Municipalities
• Nonprofit, limited dividend or mutual associations
• Cooperatives
• Limited Liability Companies
• Federally recognized Native American tribes

How can funds be used?  return to top

• Funds can be used for the following purposes:
• Construction, acquisition, and improvement of broadband transmission facilities and equipment
• Construction or acquisition of land and buildings used in providing broadband service
• Refinancing of Telecommunications Program debt.
• Examples of recently funded projects:

How much assistance can our group apply for?  return to top

• The minimum loan amount is $100,000.
• Maximum loan amounts are published in the Federal Register at the beginning of each fiscal year.

When can we apply for assistance?  return to top

• Applications are accepted year round and will be reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How will our application be evaluated?  return to top

• Priority will be given to eligible rural communities in which broadband service is not available.

How do we apply?  return to top

• The application process is a two-stage procedure (preapplication and application).
• Applications are processed through the National Office in Washington DC. General Field Representatives are available to assist with the development of applications.
• For more information and to obtain application documents, visit the National Office website at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/broadband.htm.

Please send any comments or suggestions to:
keith.bastow@ia.usda.gov
Iowa Rural Development
Revised on: April 16, 2008