PrintTelecom Programs
Announcement : Webinar presentations for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program are scheduled on January 18th from 1:00 to 2:00pm EST and on January 26th from 2:00 to 3:00pm EST. Please see the Webinar flyer (PDF) and 2017_FB_Webinar Presentation Slides(PDF) for more details.
Announcement : Webinar presentations for the Community Connect Grant Program are scheduled on January 19th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm EST and on January 24th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm EST. Please see the Webinar flyer (PDF) and the Webinar presentation slides (PDF) for more details.
Announcement : RUS is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program (Broadband program) (NOSA). There will be two application windows for FY 2017. The first application submission will be from March 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017 and the second application window will be from September 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017. All applications can only be submitted through RD Apply online application system. The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (Broadband Program) furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas.
Announcement : RUS is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 for the Community Connect grant (NOSA). All Applications must be received by no later than March 13, 2017.The Community Connect Program provide financial assistance in the forms of grants for broadband deployment into rural communities where it is not yet economically viable for private sector providers to deliver service.
Announcement : The RUS Broadband Initiative Program final report highlights the success of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded projects,designed to provide broadband service quickly to rural America using various technologies RUS Broadband Initiative Program Final Status Report(PDF).
Announcement : Open Letter From Assistant Administrator(PDF) to Telecommunications Loan Applicants and Borrowers regarding FCC Order on the universal service program for rate-of return carriers.
Announcement : The Rural Utilities Service is pleased to announce that we have expanded our online mapping tool to now accept existing service area maps funded by our Telecom Infrastructure and Broadband Loan Programs. We sent out a letter (PDF) on April 20, 2016, informing all of our existing borrowers who are eligible to participate in this new effort. You may access our Broadband Mapping Tool in order to complete this task.
Announcement: To apply for Telecom Infrastructure and Telecom Farm Bill funding, visit RD Apply, our newly developed, online application system. Like many of our other RD systems, users will need to obtain a Level 2 eAuth account before they can access RD Apply. All loan applications starting January 2017 will need to be submitted to RUS through RD Apply, as stated in the Open Letter from the Assistant Administrator
Instructions on how to apply for Farm Bill Broadband Loans & Loan Guarantees funding and Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans & Loan Guarantees funding using our new online application intake system RD Apply. This new system allows interested parties to apply electronically for loans and grants administered by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) :RD Apply Webinar Presentation .
Instructions on how to obtain a Level 2 eAuth Account: Instructions to Obtain a Level 2 eAuth Account
Access to broadband has become essential for the social and economic benefits it provides to American residents, businesses, governments and communities. Broadband is crucial for increased health, educational and economic opportunities, as well as for job and business creation and growth. Broadband can help close the digital divide between rural and urban communities.
USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Programs provide a variety of loans and grants to build and expand broadband networks. Loans to build broadband networks and deliver service to rural households and businesses, provide capital for rural telecommunications companies, broadband providers, wireless companies and fiber-to-the-home providers. Grants are reserved for communities with the highest need.
Telecommunications Programs offered are:
1. Community Connect Grants
2. Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
3. Farm Bill Broadband Loans & Loan Guarantees
4. Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Guarantees
Eligible applicants include for-profit and non-profit entities, tribes, municipalities and cooperatives. USDA particularly encourages investments in tribal and economically disadvantaged areas.
Once funds are awarded, Rural Development monitors the projects to make sure they are completed, meet all program requirements and are making efficient use of Federal resources.
Each program has different applicant and project eligibility requirements and program objectives.
Contact: Keith Adams, Assistant Administrator, Telecom Program, at (202) 720-9556
Functional Structure is focused on Customer Service
The RUS Telecom Program is comprised of three divisions: the Loan Origination and Approval Division (LOAD), Portfolio Management and Risk Assessment Division (PMRAD), and the Policy and Outreach Division (POD).
Where a Loan or Grant Application Starts, is Completed and Submitted
LOAD is the primary contact for all telecom borrowers and grant applicants. It consists of a Financial Operations Branch, an Engineering Branch and two Field Staff Branches which supervise General Field Representatives (GFRs). The GFRs help borrowers develop and submit loan applications and support materials. The Financial Operations and Engineering Branches within LOAD provide guidance to borrowers for all financial and operational activities, as well as assistance with the development and approval of loan applications and environmental clearance. LOAD is also responsible for grant application review, scoring and award. Activities within LOAD continue through loan/grant approval and the obligation of funds.
Contact: Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, LOAD, at (202) 720-0800
General Field Representatives providing Customer Service to Our Borrowers
The Telecom Program maintains a staff of General Field Representatives (GFRs) stationed around the country. GFRs are an integral part of our outreach delivery system. GFRs meet regularly with borrowers at the borrowers’ locations. GFRs serve as the local information conduit for the borrowers and headquarters staff. They keep borrowers current on issues that profoundly impact their business.
Post-Loan Services Ensure Loan Funds are Advanced; Financial and Operational Performance Supports the Borrowers’ Ability to Repay
The Portfolio Management and Risk Assessment Division (PMRAD) consist of four branches: two Post-Loan Servicing Engineering Branches, a Post-Loan Servicing Financial Operations Branch, and a Portfolio Management Financial Operations Branch. All four of the branches provide post-loan and grant services to the loans and grants made by the Telecom Program, with the Engineering Branches primarily involved with the review and approval of contracts and approval of advances of loan and grant funds for approved projects. The Operations Branches review financial and operational performance of borrowers and grantees, monitor compliance and repayment, and address other issues pertaining to loan and grant legal requirements.
Contact: Peter Aimable, Deputy Assistant Administrator, PMRAD, at (202) 720-1025
Being Responsive to Market Needs and Staying Ahead of Industry Trends
The Policy and Outreach Division (POD) consists of a Policy and Outreach Branch (OPOB) and an Engineering Branch. The Policy and Outreach Branch reviews agency policies, revises them as needed and communicates them to our customers. POD also plans and coordinates outreach activities with borrowers, associations and other Telecom Program stakeholders. Outreach efforts provide valuable opportunities for customer engagement and provide important and timely feedback for the Telecom Program to update its products and services. The Engineering Branch develops and maintains engineering bulletins, regulations and related activities.
Contact: Kenneth Kuchno, Deputy Assistant Administrator, POD, at (202) 720-0667
Archive Programs
Public Television Digital Transition Grant Program