The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a fifth round of funding for rural broadband projects across 19 states, totaling $714 million.

Illinois, Arizona and Iowa are among the states set to benefit most from the latest round of the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.

The grants and loans funded by last year's infrastructure law will cover 21 rural broadband projects in 11 states.

Many cities, counties and tribal governments have broadband projects ready, but not enough funding, according to a report from Cisco.

Gov. Ralph Northam said the investment will move the commonwealth's target for universal broadband access from 2028 to 2024.

The National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Agriculture will fund a rural broadband test site that will cover 600 square miles in central Iowa.

Cisco executives said a new Rural Broadband Center will showcase technologies designed to reduce internet providers' costs of expanding service.

The North Carolina House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that promises $750 million in funding for broadband expansion.

Gov. Kim Reynolds wanted the three-year program to offer $150 million in grants to ISPs serving rural areas, though lawmakers only plan to offer $100 million.

The Broadband DATA Act that was signed into law in March still needs to be funded so the FCC can update its broadband mapping techniques, the members…