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USDA/RUS RIN: 0572-AC06 Publication ID: Fall 2006 
Title: ●Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees 
Abstract: Since the Broadband Program’s inception, the Agency has faced and continues to face significant challenges in administering the program, including the fierce competitive nature of the broadband market, the fact that many companies proposing to offer broadband service are start-up organizations with limited resources, constantly changing technology, and economic factors such as the higher cost of serving rural communities. Because of these challenges, the agency has been reviewing the characteristics of the Broadband Program and has determined that modifications are required to accelerate the deployment of broadband service to the rural areas of the country in order to meet President Bush’s initiative for universal broadband deployment by 2007. Therefore, this rulemaking proposes to implement changes on the following subject matter: 1) Funding in competitive markets; 2) the definition of Eligible Rural Community; 3) a new standard for minimum data transmission rate; 4) new equity requirements and modified loan purposes to include operating expenses; 5) market survey requirements; and 6) time limits for build-out and deployment and funding against current borrowers. Additional clarifications to procedural matters will also be incorporated as necessary. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1738   
Legal Authority: PL 107-171    7 USC 901 et. seq   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  12/00/2006    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
Richard Annan
Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis
Department of Agriculture
Rural Utilities Service
Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone:202 720-0784
Fax:202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@wdc.usda.gov