The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect)

On March 23, 2018, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2018 (the FY 2018 Appropriations) (Pub.L. 115–141) which established a broadband loan and grant pilot program, the Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (hereinafter the ReConnect Program). One of the essential goals of the ReConnect Program is to expand broadband service to rural areas without sufficient access to broadband, defined as 10 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. For this purpose, Congress expanded RUS's existing authority to make loans and grants. Loans and grants are limited to the costs of the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in eligible communities. The FY 2018 Appropriations also authorized technical assistance to assist the agency in expanding needed service to the most rural communities. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the pilot will fuel long-term rural economic development and opportunities in rural America. One of those opportunities is precision agriculture. The use of this technology requires a robust broadband connection. The awards made under this program will bring high speed broadband to the farms which will allow them to increase productivity.

The latest form for The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) expires 2023-12-31 and can be found here.

ReConnect (Pilot) Program - Private Sector

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Economic Development - Business and Industry Development