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Rural Health Information Hub

Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees

Sponsors
U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Rural Utilities Service
Deadlines
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Contact

State Telecommunications Field Representatives

Federal program office:
202.720.0800

Purpose

USDA Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees provide financing for telephone and broadband infrastructure in rural areas.

This program is governed by the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. Funds may be used to finance broadband capable telecommunications service:

  • Improvements
  • Expansions
  • Construction
  • Acquisitions
  • Refinancing

Additional information may be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR 1735).

Eligibility

Eligible borrowers are entities that provide telecommunications in qualified rural areas, including:

  • State and local government entities
  • Federally recognized tribes
  • Nonprofit organizations, including cooperatives and limited dividend or mutual associations
  • For-profit corporations and limited liability companies
Geographic coverage
Nationwide
Amount of funding

Loan amounts are based upon need and available funds. Funding my be provided in the form of:

  • Direct loans from USDA Rural Utilities Service based on current, fixed U.S. Treasury rates
  • Loan Guarantees of up to 80% that allow private lenders to extend credit to qualified borrowers in rural areas. Interest and maturity rates vary.
  • Hardship Loans may be used at the discretion of USDA Rural Utilities Service to assist applicants in meeting financial feasibility requirements for applications to serve underserved areas. Hardship loans have a fixed interest rate of 5% for up to 20 years and require special qualifications.
Application process

Links to program guidance, forms, and the online application portal are available on the program website.

Applications are accepted through the local Rural Development offices year-round.

Tagged as
Broadband · Capital funding · Infrastructure

Organizations (2)



For complete information about funding programs, including your application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes or monitor application status.