WTA Recommends Increasing Speeds for USDA ReConnect Program

Today, WTA filed comments with USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in response to its Final Rule asking for public input on certain aspects of it’s ReConnect grant and loan program. WTA recommended that RUS increase the minimum speed standard to determine whether an area has sufficient access to broadband service from the current 10/1 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps. WTA also recommended putting fisheries, mining, and timber operations on par with farms in prioritizing areas for broadband buildout and also prioritizing areas that do not have 10/1 Mbps at this time.