Utah Broadband announced Wednesday that it has been awarded nearly $23 million in funding from round five of the USDA Rural Utilities Service ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.
The investment will help the internet service provider deploy a state-of-the-art fiber-to-the-premises, or FTTP, network, which it said will bring high-speed internet to underserved rural areas across Cache, Summit, Utah and Wasatch counties.
The project, identified as RUS Project UT 1707-A59, consists of a 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan structure, nearly $11.5 million each. This funding enables Utah Broadband to construct 315 miles of new fiber-optic infrastructure, providing symmetrical 10/10 Gbps broadband capabilities to over 3,000 homes, businesses, farms and “essential community anchor institutions.” The expansion is also Utah Broadband’s entry into Cache County.
“This award represents more than just infrastructure; it’s about bridging the digital divide for our neighbors who have been left behind by the modern economy,” said Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband. “By bringing multi-Gigabit speeds to rural Northern Utah, we are ensuring that our rural students, small business owners, and families have the same opportunities as those in the most connected urban centers. This is a pivotal phase in UBB’s growth and a testament to our unwavering commitment to community empowerment.”
The USDA ReConnect Program, launched in 2018, is a major part of the federal government’s effort to expand high-speed internet access to rural America. Now in its fifth round, the program has directed billions of dollars toward building the digital backbone required for modern agriculture, education and healthcare, according to Utah Broadband.
“Choosing the right partner for a project of this magnitude was critical, and Utah Broadband’s track record of reliability and community focus made us the clear choice,” said Mike Simmons, Utah Broadband’s vice president of fiber and wireless development. “Rural Utah requires a provider that understands our unique geography and the specific needs of residents. We have consistently demonstrated the technical expertise and local heart required to get the job done right.”
Utah Broadband said the move positions the organization as “the premier partner for federal and state broadband initiatives” and that the project serves as a cornerstone of its ongoing mission to “ensure that no community is left offline.”
