Tomorrow, November 20, 2007, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin will formally announce the launch of the Rural Health Pilot Program (RHPP). This $417 million grant program will fund the construction of broadband telehealth networks in rural areas, with the objective of improving health care access for communities that lack certain medical professionals.
According to the FCC, over 6,000 health care providers across the country will be connected to broadband telehealth networks constructed with RHPP resources. The commission received 81 proposals for grants through the RHPP. The FCC found that 12 of these proposals were unsuitable for the RHPP, and they were consequently denied. The remaining 69 proposals, representing telehealth networks that will be constructed in 42 states and three U.S. territories, will share the approximately $417 million available as part of the program.
The full FCC order implementing the program and a list of the successful grant proposals are posted below. The latter document is titled “Rural Health Care Pilot Program Applicants,” but in fact represents only the successful applicants. We will continue to follow developments as details regarding the RHPP emerge; check back for more information about this new program.
RHPP Full Order
RHPP Grants
