Bismarck, ND, October 29,2020 –USDA North Dakota State Director for Rural Development Clare Carlson announced that RTC has been awarded $6,959,459 in grant funds, from the Department’s ReConnect Program. The Broadband ReConnect Program offers unique federal financing options in the form of grants, loans, and combinations thereof to create or improve e-Connectivity for rural customers across America.
RTC will use the funds to bring broadband internet connectivity to rural, underserved areas in western North Dakota and Eastern Montana. The project will benefit nearly 1,500 rural residents over 541 square miles.
“These under-served homes, farms, ranches and businesses are just outside RTC’s current service area, so when this program became available, it was a logical decision for RTC to apply for funds to serve these locations as these are our friends and neighbors.” Shane Hart, RTC CEO/General Manager
RTC will expand its current fiber optic infrastructure to these underserved locations to provide state of the art telephone, video, and broadband services. The customers in these areas can expect access to broadband speeds up to 1 GB and will have access to the same services offered to current subscribers of RTC; they will be provided the best broadband speeds available across the country.
To learn more about Rural Development’s ReConnect program, go to www.USDA.gov/reconnect.
Senator John Hoven and RTC CEO/GM Shane Hart ND USDA State Director Clare Carlson awards ReConnect Grant to RTC Shane Hart and Cory Herman, North Dakota Rural Development, look at map of ReConnect Area. ND State Senator John Hoeven holding a map and speaking on the connectivity within North Dakota. Hart sharing comments from an appreciative man in the Reconnect area.
