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USDA Developing Procedures for Rural Broadband Pilot

Apr 12, 2018

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to establish requirements and procedures to roll out the $600 million rural broadband program approved by Congress in the omnibus spending bill.

The pilot loan and grant program adds funding to existing USDA broadband programs.

As agriculture continues trending into a technology-driven sector increasingly dependent on access to broadband, the American Soybean Association (ASA) applauds the inclusion of the funds and looks forward to how the program will enhance soy grower’s ability to farm, find markets for and transport beans.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 80 percent of the 24 million American households that do not have reliable, affordable high-speed internet are in rural areas.