Telemedicine and Telehealth Funding

Rural Broadband Loan and Loan Guarantee Program

Description: The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program is designed to provide loans for funding, on a technology neutral basis, the costs for construction, improvement and aquisition of facilities and equipment to provide broadband services to eligible rural communities. The program's goal is to ensure that rural consumers enjoy the same quality and range of telecommunications services that are available in urban and suburban communities.

Contact: Roberta Purcell
Phone: (202) 720-9554
Fax: (202) 720-0810
URL: http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/broadband.htm

Funding dates: Applications will be received throughout 2005.
Funding notes: The 2005 Application Guide is not available as of late December. Check the RUS site later, but in the meantime, use the 2004 guide.

Office: Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
Agency: Office of Rural Development
Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture