Advanced Energy
USDA’s Andy Berke Champions Fiber as Key to Rural Broadband Success
Broadband experts cautioned against alternative technologies under BEAD.
BBC
High-Speed Internet a Lifeline for Rural America’s Farms and Economy, USDA Says
The critical need for broadband deployment in rural America is emphasized by the loss of 557,000 farms sinc, RUS chief says.
usda
RUS Launches $60M Grant Initiative for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Projects
The grant funds can be used for acquiring equipment, improving broadband infrastructure, developing instructional programming, and more.
usda
USDA Needs Greater Flexibility in Deployment of Broadband Authority, Says RUS Administrator Andy Berke
Director of RUS called for more flexibility in how it administers federal funds.
FBA
Fiber Finds Its Footing, Offering Future-Proof High Speeds
The COVID-19 pandemic provided the foundation case for why fiber’s symmetrical capabilities have became so central.
RUS
Running USDA’s Rural Utilities Service Isn’t Andy Berke’s First Act in Broadband
Almost all of Berke’s work seems to be about making a difference for higher-quality broadband.
FCC
Specific Mapping is Key to the ReConnect Application, USDA Says
The mapping tool in the ReConnect application process allows applicants to designate proposed routes.
usda
Agriculture Department Announces Fourth Round of ReConnect Funding
The announcement is the second round of ReConnect funding in fiscal year 2022.
RUS
USDA Considering Drawing on Infrastructure Bill Money as ReConnect Demand Increases
The USDA has been allocated $2 billion from the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act.
RUS
Broadband Breakfast for Lunch on June 8, 2022 — Preparing for Federal Broadband Funding with the Rural Utilities Service’s Christopher McLean
Join Acting Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chris McLean on June 8 at Broadband Breakfast for Lunch
FCC
Christopher Ali: How the U.S. Department of Agriculture is Quietly Reshaping Broadband Policy
In the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress reversed USDA’s ReConnect criteria in three crucial ways.
FCC
NTIA and RUS Chiefs, Plus FCC and Treasury Officials, to Speak at Broadband Breakfast for Lunch Events
NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson and other top broadband officials have agreed to speak at Broadband Breakfast for Lunch Events.
COVID
Economic Opportunity for Broadband with Rural Electric Co-ops
Co-ops have the chance to support education, healthcare and work-from-home coming out of the coronavirus pandemic.
RUS
Broadband Breakfast for Lunch on March 9, 2022 — Preparing for the IIJA’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
We will explore what the government, states and infrastructure builders – public and private – should be doing to prepare.
FBA
Rural Utilities Service Administrator: More Miles of Fiber Than Power Lines Funded Over Past Two Years
The agency’s results over these years indicate the versatility of fiber in critical infrastructure projects.
Rural
Advocates for Rural Broadband Providers Commiserate on Flaws in Federal Approach to Funding
September 23, 2020 – Individuals representing different facets of rural broadband – traditional telecom companies, rural electric utilities, wireless providers and state regulators – on Thursday voiced concerns about aspects of the federal government’s rural broadband programs. Many of these players
