USDA Extends Rural Broadband Help: Comments Welcome
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service wants to keep collecting info for its Broadband Technical Assistance Program, which helps bring internet to rural areas. They’re asking for your thoughts by April 20, 2026, to make sure the process is easy and useful. This extension won’t cost extra but keeps the program running smoothly for communities that need better broadband.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Continued Support for Rural Broadband Projects
The USDA is keeping the information collection that supports the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program, which provides financial help to technical assistance providers and rural communities to expand broadband service into unserved rural areas. The program is authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58) and funds activities like project planning, community engagement, and construction support.
Application Time Burden on Applicants
Entities that apply for BTA Program funding will continue to spend time filling out forms: the agency estimates an average public reporting burden of 2.638 hours per response. RUS estimates 95 respondents, about 9.31 responses per respondent (885 total responses), and an estimated total annual burden of 2,335 hours.
Deadline to Submit Public Comments
If you want to comment on this extension of the information collection, your comments must be received by April 20, 2026 to be assured of consideration. Comments may be submitted at regulations.gov under Docket No. RUS-26-TELECOM-0001.
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