§ 950bb–2. Rural Gigabit Network Pilot Program

(a) Definition of ultra-high speed service

In this section, the term “ultra-high speed service” means broadband service operating at a 1 gigabit per second downstream transmission capacity.

(b) Pilot program

The Secretary shall establish a pilot program to be known as the “Rural Gigabit Network Pilot Program”, under which the Secretary may, at the discretion of the Secretary, provide grants, loans, or loan guarantees to eligible entities.

(c) Eligibility

(1) In general To be eligible to obtain assistance under this section, an entity shall—

(A) demonstrate to the Secretary the ability to furnish or extend ultra-high speed service to a rural area;

(B) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require;

(C) not already provide ultra-high speed service to a rural area within any State in the proposed service territory; and

(D) agree to complete buildout of ultra-high speed service by not later than 3 years after the initial date on which assistance under this section is made available.

(2) Eligible projects Assistance under this section may only be used to carry out a project in a proposed service territory if—

(A) the proposed service territory is a rural area; and

(B) ultra-high speed service is not provided in any part of the proposed service territory.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title VI, § 603, as added Pub. L. 113–79, title VI, § 6105, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 856.)