Pilot broadband grant

The Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service awarded Dell Telephone Cooperative, Inc., $9.723 million for a pilot broadband grant on January 14, 2026, under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program (CFDA 10.855).

The award funds distance learning and telemedicine services to rural residents in Dell City, Texas. Performance runs through January 14, 2028. The program supports the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and advanced technologies to provide educational and medical benefits to people living in rural areas. Awards are competitively selected based on scoring criteria, with applicants rated on their economic feasibility and alignment with program purposes. Grantees must demonstrate that funds are expended for approved purposes and that financial assistance benefits pass through to rural entities or residents at appropriate rates. The standard project period under this program is three years; applicants whose applications are not selected in one year may resubmit in subsequent annual competitions.