Rural Broadband Assistance Act of 2025

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Rural Broadband Assistance Act of 2025

This bill aims to expand access to broadband services in rural communities through technical assistance.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Rural Broadband Assistance Act’’.

SEC. 2. PUBLIC NOTICE, ASSESSMENTS, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 is amended to include:

  • ‘‘TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE’’ before ‘‘AND’’ in the section heading;
  • Removing subsection (e) and adding a new subsection (e):
  • “BROADBAND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.”

The Secretary shall make grants to private, nonprofit, or public organizations to provide or receive eligible entities broadband technical assistance and training.

  • Preparing applications for grants, loans, and loan guarantees;
  • Identifying resources to finance broadband facilities from public and private sources;
  • Preparing feasibility studies, financial forecasts, market surveys, environmental studies, and technical design information;
  • Preparing reports and surveys necessary to support the need for broadband services, price range, and request financial assistance;
  • Analyzing and improving operation-related management, including financial management, of broadband facilities and efficiency;
  • Collecting broadband infrastructure data;
  • Assisting with other areas of need identified by the Secretary.

The eligible entities include:

  1. Federally recognized Tribes or Tribal entities;
  2. States or local governments, including any agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof;
  3. Territories or possessions of the United States;
  4. Institutions of higher education, Hispanic-Serving Institution, Historically Black College or University, nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, cooperative or mutual organizations, corporations, or limited liability companies.

The Secretary shall give priority to organizations with experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.

Applications for grants can be made from qualified organizations for the sole purpose of providing on-site community technical assistance and training on a national or multi-State regional basis.