The Broadband Recovery Act Does Not Ensure Low-Cost Internet to All Rural Residents

The U.S. Government gave a boost to the economy through the 2011 Recovery Act Program. One of the projects under the program is the Broadband Initiatives Program that makes satellite Internet available to un-served rural areas throughout the country.

For those that are eligible, they get reduced monthly fees, free equipment leasing and installation, plus a number of other benefits. Best of all, the reduced price will not change for as long as the eligible individual subscribes.

Will the Broadband Initiative Program have any impact on you?

While the government’s effort to stimulate the economy in rural areas is greatly welcome, some rural residents are finding that they don’t qualify for the Broadband Initiative Program. Restrictions on eligibility were put in place, since there are obviously limits to what the government and satellite Internet ISPs can offer.

The Internet Recovery Act is available to you if you do not

*Already subscribe to rural satellite Internet
*Be a previous customer of any satellite Internet ISP
*Have the ability to subscribe to other broadband services from a phone or cable company
*Reside in a rural area being served by a RUS or NTIA loan or grant award

Qualification for the Broadband Recovery Act requires that you

*Reside in a rural area (as designated by the government)
*Only have access to the Internet through dial-up
*Pass a credit check (unless you live in Vermont)
*Agree to a 12-month satellite Internet contract

Each satellite Internet ISP serves a different area

You have more than one choice in a satellite Internet ISP. But under the Broadband Initiative Program you may not have a choice, since the government created zones for each of the satellite Internet ISPs to serve. To know if you are eligible, contact a satellite Internet ISP.

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