ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.

Overview

What it does.

The program is not accepting applications as of July 10, 2026, pending guidance and authorization. Future Chester eligibility will depend on the applicant type, proposed service area, current broadband maps, existing service, technical standards, and the next funding notice.

Best for: Provider or public-private broadband deployment projects targeting demonstrably unserved or underserved rural service areas.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

• Eligible broadband providers, cooperatives, nonprofits, public bodies, territories, and tribes under the applicable funding round

Applicants excluded by the source

• Individual businesses seeking general broadband reimbursement
• Projects in service areas that fail the current lack-of-sufficient-broadband and mapping tests

Eligible uses

• Construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas

Uses excluded by the source

• General business technology purchases
• Projects outside an eligible service area or inconsistent with the current notice

Application

How to start.

1. Monitor USDA's ReConnect page for a new funding round
2. Review the public service-area maps and coordinate with existing providers and local government
3. Prepare technical, financial, environmental, mapping, and community documentation before the next window

Timing: USDA states the program is closed pending guidance and authorization.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

• No application window is currently open
• Service-area eligibility is map- and evidence-dependent
• Prior round amounts and terms must not be assumed for a future round

Future projects must coordinate with other broadband awards and avoid overlapping federally funded service commitments.

Evidence

Official sources.

• ReConnect Loan and Grant ProgramU.S. Department of Agriculture · accessed 2026-07-10