Sponsors (2)
The bill directs substantial, targeted funding to bring 100/100 Mbps broadband and affordability supports to rural and high-need communities, but increases federal spending and includes program limits (provider/state caps, tight buildout timelines, and a 2030 sunset) that could slow deployment or create coverage gaps.
Rural households (including students and small businesses) will gain access to minimum 100/100 Mbps broadband, improving internet for work, education, telehealth, and commerce.
Dedicated appropriations ($650M/year plus $350M/year in loans through FY2026–FY2030) create sustained funding to build and maintain rural broadband networks.
Tribal organizations, colonias, persistent-poverty, and socially vulnerable communities become eligible for grant-only awards, lowering financial barriers to deployment in high-need areas.
Taxpayers fund the program through $650M/year plus $350M/year in loans through 2030, increasing federal spending and long-term fiscal commitments.
Annual caps (15%) on awards to large providers and to States could constrain efficient, large-scale deployments and slow near-term rollout in some areas.
A five-year buildout requirement may be unrealistic for some projects facing permitting, right-of-way, or supply-chain delays, risking grant or loan forfeiture and interrupted service timelines.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced October 30, 2025 by Roger Wayne Marshall · Last progress October 30, 2025
Creates a reworked rural broadband grant and loan program that pays to build or upgrade high-speed internet in areas with fewer than 20,000 people. Projects must deliver at least 100 Mbps down and 100 Mbps up, generally serve places where most homes lack 100/20 Mbps, and meet a five-year buildout deadline. The bill sets priorities (including tribal, very small and high-poverty areas, and precision agriculture), caps how much any single state or large provider can receive, allows cost sharing (up to 25%) with waivers for certain communities, and funds technical assistance. It authorizes $650 million per year for grants/combined awards and $350 million per year for additional direct loans for FY2026–FY2030, rescinds certain prior unobligated balances, and ends award authority on September 30, 2030 while repealing a prior statutory provision after 120 days.