Broadband Technical Assistance

What does this program do?

The Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal entities
• State or local governments, including agencies and subdivisions, among others
• Territories or possessions of the United States
• Institutions of higher education (including 1862 Land-Grant Institutions, 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) IRS status
• Cooperatives or mutual organizations
• Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships

What is an eligible area?

For a project to be eligible to receive federal funds from the BTA program, it must promote broadband expansion into a rural community.

What is a rural area?

• For the purposes of BTA, a rural area is defined as “any area not located in a city, town, or incorporated area with a population greater than 20,000, or an urbanized area  next to a city, town or incorporated area with a population greater than 50,000 people.” Certain other exclusions apply.
• Eligible areas must be completely contained within a rural area or composed of multiple rural areas. You will find a mapping tool with additional eligibility information at this link: Map

How do we apply?

Applications must be submitted electronically through https://www.grants.gov/. 

Is there a matching requirement?

BTA does not have a cost share or matching requirement.

Who can answer questions about this program?

• For questions related to the BTA program, please use the Contact Us Form and select "Broadband Technical Assistance" as the subject.

Where do the funds come from?

The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(4), 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq., and 7 U.S.C. 950cc and provided funding for broadband technical assistance. The current funding opportunity will use technical assistance funds appropriated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58).

Where can we learn about past BTA award recipients?

Fiscal Year 2023 BTA award recipients and project information.