"USDA Boosts Rural Connectivity with $667 Million Broadband Investment"

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $667 million in grants and loans to expand high-speed broadband access in rural areas across 22 states and the Marshall Islands. The funding, provided through the USDA's ReConnect Program, aims to bridge the digital divide by requiring recipients to build infrastructure capable of providing upload and download speeds of at least 100Mbps. The initiative is part of the Biden administration's efforts to expand access to affordable high-speed broadband and achieve universal connectivity by 2030. The funding will also support farmers in accessing emerging technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve market opportunities.