Rural Broadband Coalition Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30th, 2003

For More Information, Contact:
Rural Broadband Coalition
703.477.4705
info@ruralbroadbandcoalition.net

USDA Rural Utilities Service Announces 2003 Community-Connect Broadband Grant AwardsOn September 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced $11.3 million in grants for broadband Internet providers to serve communities in rural America.

“This round of grant funding helps build upon the success of the 2002 program. This program will allow 34 rural, economically challenged communities to finally provide high-speed Internet access for schools, libraries and other critical community facilities -- including residential and local businesses,” said Damian Kunko, CEO of the Rural Broadband Coalition (RBC).

RBC member Blue Moon Solutions was selected to receive $1 million to build a broadband Internet network in two Texas communities. “This program is key to helping our rural community’s receive the funding they need to bring high-speed Internet access,” said Marty Hale, CEO of Blue Moon Solutions.

Another RBC member, AMA TechTel Communications, received $430,000 under this grant program. Vice President of Business Development Doug Campbell reported, “The towns of Higgins and Lipscomb Texas are thrilled to know these needed funds will be used to provide broadband service locally.”

The Community Connect Grant Program is designed for underserved communities under 20,000 inhabitants. It is part of the 2002 Federal Farm Bill and provides the funding to connect rural communities.

On May 15, 2003, the RUS announced $20 million in grants for broadband Internet providers to serve communities in Rural America. Those grant awards were for those applicants who submitted applications for the 2002 program. For a listing of grant awardees, please go to: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2003/sept03bbandgrants.html.

The Rural Broadband Coalition is a technology and provider neutral organization that acts as an advocacy and service organization dedicated toward bridging the digital divide between rural and urban consumers of high-speed Internet connections. Through its Web site, RBC provides a portal of information/services related to federal financing opportunities to member organizations. RBC also encourages government to increase investment in the deployment of broadband Internet for underserved communities.