Summary:

This program provides financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. Loans and Loan Guarantees are available.

-Cost-of-Money Loans are direct loans from USDA Rural Utilities Service
-Loan Guarantees of up to 80% allow private lenders, including the Federal Financing Bank (FFB), to extend credit to qualified borrowers in rural areas
-Hardship Loans may be used, at the sole discretion of USDA Rural Utilities Service, to assist applicants in meeting financial feasibility requirements for applications to serve underserved areas

Borrowers must have legal authority to provide, construct, operate and maintain the proposed facilities or services. All facilities financed with the aid of federal dollars must be used for a public purpose. Funded projects may not duplicate similar services available in the same area. Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and non-profit entities are encouraged

Eligible Recipients:

For-Profit Business; Internet Service Provider; Local Government; Non-Profit Organization

Eligible Recipients Detail:

State and Local Governments; Tribal Entities; ISPs; Non-Profit Organizations; Electric Utilities/Cooperatives; For-profit businesses (corporations and limited liability companies only)

Eligible Purpose:

Last Mile Infrastructure; Middle Mile Infrastructure; Backbone Infrastructure

Eligible Purpose Detail:

Finance broadband capable telecommunications service: improvements; expansions; construction; acquisitions; refinancing