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USDA/RUS

RIN: 0572-AC06

Publication ID: Spring 2007

Title: Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
Abstract: There has been more than $1.1 billion in loans for broadband deployment with more than 1,000 rural communities that will receive broadband services. Even with this level of success, the programs needs to be adjusted to better serve unserved or underserved communities. In response, we are proposing new rules that seek to address this and other critical issues, and further facilitate the deployment of broadband service in rural America as directed by Congress. The following is a summary of the major issues addressed by the proposed rulemaking: (1) Clearly define served, underserved markets based on service availability and existing competitors and target unserved an underserved areas; (2) Provide potential applicants with a clear definition of which communities are eligible for funding; (3) Establish a new standard for minimum data transmission rate; (4) Establish equity requirements that mitigate risks; (5) Modify market survey requirements based on service territories and existing availability of service; and (6) Impose new time limits for build-out and deployment to ensure prudent use of loan funds and timely delivery services to rural customers.
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	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	04/00/2007

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: No	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
Agency Contact: Michele L. Brooks Director, Regulations Management Team, RD Innovation Center Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Room 5159 South Building, STOP 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone:202 690-1078 Email: michele.brooks@wdc.usda.gov