CONNECT Act of 2023

The CONNECT Act of 2023 streamlines support for rural broadband providers by creating an Office of Technical Assistance ($10 million annually) to help small providers (serving ≤20,000 subscribers) navigate applications and permitting. It adds a mini-grant program ($20,000 max per provider) to prepare applications, prioritizes cooperative and nonprofit projects with 20 extra evaluation points, and requires USDA to review broadband permit applications within 180 days. The bill also sets eligibility for funding in areas with no existing fixed-wireline service or stalled broadband projects (after 3 years without significant construction). These changes directly affect rural communities and small broadband providers seeking federal funding to expand internet access.