Rural
The Farm Bill Fight That Will Shape Rural Broadband
Republicans were unable to move their bill forward. The measure will determine the future of the USDA’s ReConnect Broadband program.
Expert Opinion
Christine O'Connor: An Enduring Commitment to Universal Service Transformed Alaska
O'Connor charts Alaska's shift from village pay phones to fiber and telehealth, crediting universal service and the Alaska Plan while noting BEAD's work is unfinished.
Congress
Farm Bill Fails to Advance from Senate Agriculture Committee
Impasse leaves rural broadband provisions, including ReConnect reauthorization, on hold.
Funding
Senate Farm Bill Would Codify ReConnect Program
The House-passed USDA funding bill would provide $40 million for the program in FY27
Funding
House Committee Advances USDA Funding Bill
The bill includes $40 million for the ReConnect program.
Rural
USDA Accepts Telehealth, Distance Learning Grant Applications
Approximately $27 million in federal grants were made available.
Congress
House Passes Farm Bill
Rural broadband programs extended through 2031.
Farm bill
RUS Signals Launch of Next ReConnect Funding Round
Elmshaeuser says program remains central as federal broadband funding expands
USDA
ReConnect Funding Restored in FY2027 USDA Bill
House breaks with USDA request on rural broadband funding
Education and Distance Learning
USDA Requests $230 Million for Rural Broadband and Telehealth, a Decline Over Previous Budgets
The agriculture department proposed canceling $40 million in unused ReConnect funds in 2027 budget.
Commerce
NTIA Cracks Down on BEAD Proposals Built on ‘Hypothetical’ Funding
The agency will issue new guidance on how states should evaluate 'speculative' or uncommitted funding sources in BEAD.
Rural
Senate Clears Agriculture Bill With $109 Million for Rural Broadband
USDA's ReConnect would see about $50 million for 2026, more than the Senate had previously put forward.
Funding
Reintroduced Bill Would Update, Fund ReConnect Through 2030
The bill would provide $650 million annually, more than other lawmakers are currently considering.
Funding
Senate Approves FY2026 USDA Budget
Proposes $96 million for rural broadband grants and loans in FY26.
Fiber
Anchorage Update: Lessons from the Frontier State
Industry executives, tribal leaders and policymakers came together to connect more Alaskans.
Congress
Senate Panel Advances USDA Budget, Trims ReConnect in FY26
Senate appropriators cut $56 million from House’s proposed ReConnect budget.
