Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2026

This bill reauthorizes the Community Connect Grant Program, extending its operation until 2031 to continue supporting broadband deployment in underserved areas. It significantly updates the minimum broadband speed requirements for projects receiving grants, mandating a capacity of at least 100-Mbps downstream and 20-Mbps upstream.

The legislation also refines the eligibility criteria for grant funding by specifying that projects must serve a rural area. It revises the definition of an unserved area by increasing the existing broadband service thresholds to 25-Mbps downstream and 3-Mbps upstream. Additionally, the bill clarifies that areas with enforceable commitments for future broadband deployment under other funding programs may be considered served, affecting grant eligibility.