high speed internet

The Federal Communications Commission released the National Broadband Map in November.  Emily Buckman, American Farm Bureau Federation Government Affairs Director, says the new map displays specific location-level information regarding broadband services availability, which she called a huge improvement from the census block level data that was used.  She add...

Despite fraternal organizations nationwide struggling to gain and retain members, the National Grange says it is bucking that trend.  During the organization’s 156th Annual Convention in Sparks, NV, last month, Betsy Huber, President of the Grange announced membership grew more than 3% between July 2021 and June 2022, despite pressures from the pandemic.   Huber ...

USDA’s Rural Development undersecretary faced numerous complaints from rural U.S. Senators about complicated grant applications, office staffing, and broadband grant duplication at a recent Farm Bill hearing.  Xochitl Torres Small defended her agency’s handling of its many functions, calling most criticisms the result of having to balance costs and fairness.  But she did agree t...

Without a reliable digital connection, American farmers cannot fully embrace the new tools and technologies allowing producers to meet the needs and demands of tomorrow, according to the Association of Equipment Manufactures.  The organization said now is the time for lawmakers, organizations, and other to come together to close the connectivity gap that exists across much of rural America.  Curt

University of Idaho Extension is out with a new program that the school said will prepare Idahoans and communities to take advantage of the digital economy and the opportunities that will be available.   “As all of this effort to expand broadband across the state is happening, how do we make sure that our communities are ready to fully take advantage of that?" said Amb...

In the 1930’s the federal government brought electric power to all of rural America today the mission is to bring high speed Internet access to everybody in rural areas.   “It's one of the many ways we're ensuring that folks no matter where they live have a shot at success by having access to high-speed Internet,” said Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack last week after announcing additional funding

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says his agency is providing $759 million to improve internet access for people living and working in 24 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Palau.  The investments include funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that provides $65 billion to help expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access to communities across the United States.   “...

USDA will invest $7 million in a rural Clackamas County internet provider, with the hopes of providing broadband service to 500 unserved households.  USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh made the announcement Tuesday at Clear Creek Communications.   “...

On Thursday, the USDA awarded $502 million in loans and grants to provide high-speed internet access for rural residents and businesses in 20 states.  USDA is making the investments through the third funding round of the ReConnect Program.   ...

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is accepting applications for its ReConnect Program loans and grants to expand access to high-speed internet for millions of people in rural America.  The agency is making over $1 billion available for the program, a critical piece of the effort to connect every American to affordable and reliable high-speed internet.  ...