Individuals who primarily Reside in a Rural Area
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/TechPolicyInst_1.jpg?itok=7-KoOiAa)
Overhauling the Universal Service Fund: Aligning Policy with Economic Reality
Two very real Universal Service Fund (USF) problems need to be addressed: funding and spending. The way the program is funded is inefficient, unsustainable, and regressive. Regardless of the judicial outcome, the tax that the court declared unconstitutional is both inefficient, by taxing a small, price-sensitive, declining base, and regressive, with a higher proportional burden falling on those least able to afford it. The program spends too much money on the wrong things. The High Cost Fund in particular, which accounts for about half of total spending, is outdated and wasteful.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/marketplace_4.png?itok=_uuCXnVM)
In national broadband rollout, rural landscapes pose a challenge
The state of Kentucky was allotted $1.1 billion to get every home hooked up to high-speed internet.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/benton_2_492.png?itok=yjMUDkzf)
Hawai'i is Working to Connect All to Affordable Broadband
Connect Kākou is the Hawaiʻi statewide broadband initiative led by the University of Hawai'i' Broadband Office (UHBO) to ensure people from all walks of life have reliable and affordable access to high-speed Internet. The name “Connect Kākou” was chosen to reflect Hawaii’s goal of using high-speed internet to connect everyone across the state. The Hawaiian word “kākou” is used to convey the idea of “all of us,” and underscores the sense of collective responsibility and unity that this initiative represents.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/benton-logo-full_1_4.png?itok=qCojv8aS)
Universal Access to Affordable, Reliable Broadband in Kentucky
Kentucky is working to remove barriers to digital adoption by creating opportunities through technology, affordable high-speed internet, and digital skills development for all people and businesses. The goal is to bridge the digital divide and ensure that each citizen can participate in the modern economy and society. Kentucky's affordability strategy leaned heavily on promoting ACP participation by eligible residents and internet service providers (ISPs). Of course, the ACP expired earlier this year due to a lack of funding.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/community%20networks_0.png?itok=SOooNuAA)
Paul Bunyan Communications Payout To Members Is Not A Tall Tale
The reasons why municipalities and cooperatives build community-owned broadband networks are numerous, often fueled by years of frustration with the spotty, expensive service offered by the big monopoly incumbents.
23 Million Americans Navigate Hiked Internet Costs Since the ACP Ended
In May, the $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Program officially ran out of money, leaving 23 million households with internet bills that were $30 to $75 higher than the month before. That's if they decided to hang on to their internet service at all: 13% of ACP subscribers, or roughly 3 million households, said that after the program ended they planned to cancel service, according to a Benton Institute survey
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/ntia_135.jpg?itok=BiBr7heN)
Stronger Together: Creating Meaningful Change through Digital Equity Projects
On July 24th the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. As applicants work on their applications, it is critical to keep in mind the importance of sustainable project planning and meaningful change. Meaningful change can create a lasting, measurable impact that resonates for years to come. Successful Digital Equity Projects should be designed with both the present and future in mind, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the initial grant period.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/usda_4.png?itok=35IlV5sF)
USDA Seeks Applications to Create and Save Jobs in Rural Areas
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for funding that will help rural businesses create and save jobs in their communities. USDA is making loans and grants available under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) programs for fiscal year 2025. Through the programs, USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they then provide to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/frontier%20comms_0.png?itok=7dv7ZA5h)
Frontier Awarded $6.5 Million Grant to Expand Fiber Broadband Service to Unserved and Underserved Communities in Knox County, Illinois
Frontier received $6.5 million in Connect Illinois grant funding to expand high-speed fiber broadband service in rural Knox County. The grant from the Illinois Office of Broadband, along with $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding committed by the Knox County Board, will accelerate our expansion of our fiber-optic network in the county. With this grant, we will bring fast, reliable connectivity to homes and businesses in rural Knox County, boosting economic and educational opportunities for the county.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/benton_2_491.png?itok=QBI3dOxo)
GAO to Ted Cruz: USAC Is Just Alright With Me
In May 2023, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the minority leader of the Senate Commerce Committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting an examination of how the Federal Communications Commission administers the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF consists of money collected from telecommunications companies that is dedicated to fulfilling the goals of universal service.