The FCC has announced a two-year pilot program that would fund up to 85% of the costs for the design, construction and use of dedicated broadband networks in order to expand the availability and use of telehealth and telemedicine, particularly in rural areas. Unlike existing rural health subsidy programs, this new program specifically contemplates that major urban health centers would be eligible to participate and receive funding if they include rural health care providers in the network. The benefit for urban hospitals is that they can use the funds to establish direct broadband links with rural providers, thus expanding their reach, while also improving their own telecommunications infrastructure and connecting with other networks and research institutions.

Please see this Mintz Levin Advisory for information on application requirements and the key to a successful application.