The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is planning to invest $167 million to deploy broadband infrastructure in 12 rural states that lack sufficient access to high-speed internet.
“Generations ago, the federal government recognized that without affordable access to electricity, Americans couldn’t fully participate in modern society and the modern economy,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “Broadband internet is the new electricity. It is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning and health care, and to stay connected.”
Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia have been selected to receive the rollout.
The investments are part of the $550 million Congress allocated to the second round of the ReConnect Program, as well as other funds made available for the program since 2018. USDA said it expects to begin inviting applic