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RURAL DEVELOPMENTTelecommunications Programs
David J. VillanoAssistant AdministratorTelecommunications ProgramRural Utilities ServiceDavid.Villano@wdc.usda.gov 202-720-9554
Senator Mark R. Warner Broadband Strategy Session: Maximizing BroadbandDeployment in the Commonwealth of VirginiaMay 21, 2012
 
The Telecommunications Program
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Telecommunications ProgramHistory
 
 
In the 1930’s, the Rural Electrification Administration (REA)
made financing available for electric cooperatives and other entities to bring electricity to rural communities that mightotherwise not receive it
In 1949, the REA received authority to finance telephoneservice in recognition of its importance to rural communities
Funding was provided for basic telephone service to ensurethat rural residents and businesses received the same type of services as urban areas
Starting in 1995, all telecommunications networks financedwere required to be broadband-capable.3
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