Broadband is a priority in S-2389, the Agriculture,...

Broadband is a priority in S-2389, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, said a report submitted with the bill last week (http://1.usa.gov/1k260P8). Senate Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Mark Pryor, D-Ark., formally introduced the FY2015 funding bill Thursday and it was cleared from Appropriations the same day. Appropriations would ask for $898,000 for the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development, which oversees funds going to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The report points to commitment “to promote development and demonstrate innovative connectivity solutions such as providing high-speed Internet via optical laser beams in free space, which help connect rural America without broadband infrastructure costs and where wireless coverage does not exist.” Appropriations also would recommend $41.13 million for the Distance Learning, Telemedicine and Broadband Program. “Funds recommended for the RUS broadband program are intended to promote broadband availability in those areas where there is not otherwise a business case for private investment in a broadband network,” the report said. “The Committee encourages RUS to focus expenditures on projects that bring broadband service to currently unserved households.” Of the broadband grants, $10.37 million would go “to support broadband transmission and local dial-up Internet services for rural areas,” the report said.