The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline for applying for the ReConnect Pilot Program from March 31 to April 15. That program gives rural businesses, cooperatives and communities help to bring high speed broadband connectivity to them. Center for Rural Affairs Policy Director Johnathan Hladik says that’s one of the most critical ways to help address the broadband access shortage.

He says having the extra time available to apply is most beneficial for the smaller broadband providers.

Hladik says the hope is that the ReConnect program will assist those who currently don’t have any broadband services.

Hladik says those who want to know more about ReConnect eligibility and technical assistance can log onto usda.gov/reconnect.