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Rural Health
News by Topic: Broadband

Oct 20, 2021 - Announces $554 million in funding to support broadband deployment to over 180,000 locations in 19 states. Describes bidding and notification process and lists states where broadband deployment was funded.
Source: Federal Communications Commission
Oct 19, 2021 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments on a proposed information collection that addresses the requirement that certain carriers with high-cost reporting obligations must file information about the locations to which they have deployed broadband service meeting applicable public interest requirements. This information will be used to monitor the deployment progress of reporting carriers and to verify the reporting carriers' claims of service at the reported locations. Comments are due by November 18, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 18, 2021 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the Federal Communications Commission Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services, to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP). The EBBP was created specifically to assist American families' access to broadband during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comments are due by November 17, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2021 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold a virtual public meeting of the Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC) on November 3, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Eastern. The CEDC makes recommendations to the FCC on advancing equity in the provision of and access to digital communication services and products. The agenda will include introducing the CEDC members and establish working groups that will assist the CEDC in carrying out its work.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2021 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the Federal Communications Commission and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP). The EBBP was created specifically to assist American families' access to broadband during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comments are due by November 8, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 8, 2021 - Notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking comment on a new computer matching program between the Federal Communications Commission and Connecticut Department of Social Services to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP). The EBBP was created specifically to assist American families' access to broadband during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comments are due by November 8, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 30, 2021 - Discusses barriers to telehealth expansion in rural areas, including broadband infrastructure, patient volume, technology needs, and state licensing. Notes that telehealth companies have expanded more readily in urban and suburban areas, highlighting market challenges that will require partnerships between companies and rural facilities.
Source: STAT
Sep 23, 2021 - Analyzes U.S. Census data from 2010-2020, finding that the rural counties that grew in population had greater access to broadband internet service. Discusses characteristics of counties that grew in population despite the slight overall population loss in rural America, including access to natural amenities, recreation, and broadband access.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Sep 10, 2021 - Notice of final rule with comment period from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to codify mandatory changes outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. Changes include providing new information regarding grant eligibility in conjunction with the Farm Bill Broadband Program, changes in program financing thresholds, and new reporting requirements that ensure similar data is reported and collected across multiple USDA broadband programs, among other things. This final rule is effective September 10, 2021. Comments are due by November 9, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 25, 2021 - Describes the challenges of accessing mental healthcare in rural areas, with a focus on Missouri and farmer mental health. Highlights barriers including provider shortages, insurance issues, stigma associated with therapy, broadband access, and transportation. Offers a map with state-level information on the percentage of mental health needs met, noting that Missouri has less than 6% of its mental health needs met with all 99 of its rural counties experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals.
Source: Flatland