; and (B) the broadband buildout requirements under paragraph (3), to ensure that high quality, cost-effective broadband service is provided to rural areas. (3) Broadband buildout requirements (A) In general The term broadband buildout requirement means the level of broadband service an applicant receiving assistance under this section must agree, at the time the application is finalized, to provide for the duration of any project-related agreement between the applicant and the Secretary. (B) Minimum requirement The broadband buildout requirement shall, at a minimum, deliver 100 Mbps symmetrical throughout for each rural household in the proposed service area. The Secretary may increase this minimum requirement for the performance broadband service in considering new applications. (C) Substitute service standards for unique service territories If an applicant shows that it would be cost prohibitive to meet the broadband buildout requirements established under this paragraph for the entirety of a proposed service territory due to the unique characteristics of the proposed service territory, the Secretary and the applicant may agree to utilize substitute standards for any unserved portion of the project that should continue to consider the best technology available to meet the needs of the residents in the unserved area. (f) Technological neutrality For purposes of determining whether to provide assistance for a project under this section, the Secretary shall use criteria that are technologically neutral and criteria that ensures the technology can meet program broadband buildout requirements and the evolving needs of rural households and businesses, including precision agriculture. (g) Terms and conditions for loans and loan guarantees (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a loan or loan guarantee under this section shall— (A) bear interest at an annual rate of, as determined by the Secretary— (i) in the case of a direct loan, a rate equivalent to— (I) the cost of borrowing to the Department