The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023 establishes a federal program to expand broadband internet access in underserved rural areas through grants and loans. The bill authorizes $650 million annually from fiscal years 2024 through 2028 for eligible entities such as local governments, cooperatives, tribes, and corporations to build broadband infrastructure that meets a minimum standard of 100 megabits per second for both download and upload speeds. Priority funding goes to the most underserved areas where at least 90 percent of households lack adequate broadband access, as well as to low-income communities, tribal territories, and areas experiencing population loss. Recipients must complete their broadband projects within five years, participate in federal internet affordability programs to keep service costs low, and provide a cost share of up to 25 percent unless they qualify for a waiver based on community characteristics. The program sunsets on September 30, 2028, and the bill allocates an additional $350 million annually for traditional rural broadband loans, with up to 5 percent of funding reserved for technical assistance to help communities prepare applications.
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