The population of ReConnect areas had less formal education, and was poorer and older on average than the population of ineligible areas, fiscal years 2019–21

Bar chart comparing eligibility and status of ReConnect projects for populations based on education level attained, percent of people living in poverty, and age.

USDA, Economic Research Service researchers studied the areas and populations served by three USDA rural broadband programs—the Broadband Initiative Program (BIP), Community Connect, and ReConnect. BIP was the largest of these programs during the period studied (fiscal years 2009–21), but ReConnect now is the largest.


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