The USDA implemented the ReConnect Program in 2019 to improve broadband access in rural areas.
The first round of the ReConnect Program commenced in 2019, the second round took place in 2020, and the third round is still in progress as of publication—applications were due in March 2022 and funds will likely be awarded in the second half of 2022.
In the first and second round of the ReConnect Program, unserved locations were defined as those where broadband wasn’t available at 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 1 Mbps upload (10/1 Mbps) by a fixed provider of terrestrial broadband, and participants are required to deploy broadband at speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps.