10.886: Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
Alternate Name: Farm Bill Broadband Loans & Loan Guarantees
Overview
Program Number
10.886
Status
Active
Last Modified
Aug. 10, 2022
Date Posted
Aug. 10, 2022
Objective
To assure that people in eligible rural communities have access to broadband service comparable in reliability and quality to the rest of the Nation.
Type of Assistance
F - Guaranteed/Insured Loans
Applicant Eligibility
(a) To be eligible for a broadband loan, an applicant may be either a nonprofit or for-profit organization, and must take one of the following forms: (1) Corporation; (2) Limited liability company (LLC); (3) Cooperative or mutual organization; (4) Indian tribe or tribal organization as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b; or (5) State or local government, including any agency, subdivision, or instrumentality thereof.
(b) To be eligible for a broadband loan, the applicant must: (1) Submit a loan application which meets the requirements set forth the regulation; (2) Agree to complete the build-out of the broadband system described in the loan application within three years from the day the applicant is notified that loan funds are available. The loan application must demonstrate that all proposed construction be completed within this three year period with the exception of CPE. CPE can be funded throughout the forecast period; (3) Demonstrate an ability to furnish, improve, or extend broadband facilities to provide service at the broadband lending speed in rural areas; (4) Demonstrate an equity position equal to at least 10 percent of the amount of the loan requested in the application; and (5) Provide additional security if it is necessary to ensure financial feasibility as determined by the Administrator.
An eligible entity that provides telecommunications or broadband service to at least 20 percent of the households in the United States may not receive a total amount of loans or guarantees for a fiscal year in excess of 15 percent of the funds authorized and appropriated for that fiscal year.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Residents and businesses of eligible rural areas.
Related Programs
Additional Information
Grant Awards
Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees direct grants
Grant Opportunities