Iowa Governor Signs $100 Million Rural Broadband Grant Program into Law

Broadband internet providers now have access to a pool of $100 million in state grants to cover some of the costs to create more robust rural connectivity around Iowa, a state with the second-slowest broadband speeds in the nation. The bill passed the state’s legislature unanimously earlier this year and, though it falls short of the original $150 million figure, will include supplemental federal funds to encourage more private-sector action on building stronger broadband connectivity statewide. The grants will cover specific things like fiber-optic cable installation and sets a minimum for download and upload speeds permitted for companies who qualify for state grants. Funding will be available for up to 75% of project costs for eligible companies. See more about the new Iowa law.