Rural Development Utilities Program (RDUP)
What is the RDUP Broadband Loan Program?
The U.S Department of Agriculture RDUP Broadband Loan Program was designed to accelerate the deployment of high-speed "broadband" networks in rural areas. The US Congress has appropriated approximately $2 billion to the RDUP Broadband Loan Program mostly in the form of loans at or below prevailing market rates.
General Eligibility Requirements:
Incumbent Telcos, CATV operators, co-ops, municipalities, Indian Tribal organizations and start-up companies can all qualify for RDUP broadband funding subject to the following stipulations:
- Community served must be no larger than 20,000 people
- Service provider's total access lines must comprise less than two percent of the national total (max ~2.8M)
- Service provider must offer subscribers at least 200 kb/s symmetrical data. Voice and video services are optional
- Service provider loan request must be at least $100,000
Where to get Help:
RDUP: General Field Representatives (GFRs)
RDUP Broadband Staff: Washington, DC
-
General Program Information
- Engineering Branch (202)720-7276
- Northern Operations Branch (202)720-0667
- Southern Operations Branch (202)720-2281
- Broadband Division Headquarters (202)690-4673