TDS completes network upgrades to entire Grant County, Wisconsin footprint
TDS project delivers up to 1 Gig speeds thanks to public-private partnerships
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) has completed a major network upgrade project and is now delivering high-speed fiber-based internet to more than 1,200 locations throughout rural Grant County, Wisconsin. Residents and businesses in Beetown, Ellenboro, Harrison, Lancaster, North and South Lancaster, Liberty, Little Grant, Potosi, and Waterloo can now access internet speeds up to 1 Gig. In celebration of the project landmark, TDS donated $500 to the Lancaster Food Pantry–LAC, supporting the nonprofit’s mission to serve those in need.
“Bringing world-class internet to rural Grant County is a milestone we’re very proud of,” said Drew Petersen, TDS Telecom Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “This investment reflects our dedication to bridging the digital divide and supporting the vitality of local communities. We are grateful for the collaboration with state and federal partners that helped make this achievement possible.”
Thanks to the upgrades, residents in TDS-served areas of Grant County now have access to the same internet speeds available in large metropolitan areas of Wisconsin. The expanded network will empower individuals, families, and entrepreneurs to take advantage of economic development, remote work opportunities, online learning, telehealth, and more.
TDS appreciates the support the project received at the state level from Public Service Commission Chairperson Summer Strand and state legislators, Rep. Travis Tranel (R–Cuba City) and Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green).
“I am proud the Public Service Commission awarded state funding to help complete this important project and deliver high-speed internet to Grant County residents,” said Public Service Commission Chairperson Summer Strand. “Since 2019, Governor Tony Evers and his administration have done more to expand access to high-speed internet than any previous administration. Investments made under Gov. Evers’ leadership and through public-private partnerships like these are key to building a broadband network that Wisconsin families and businesses can rely on.”
“Expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet is vital to the success of our rural communities,” said Rep. Tranel. “These upgrades will help families, farms, schools, and small businesses in southwest Wisconsin stay connected and competitive in today’s economy. I’m proud to see this partnership delivering real results for the people I serve.”
Sen. Marklein added, “Since I joined the legislature, I have always advocated for expanding access to reliable broadband in rural areas. Without adequate broadband service, my constituents are unable to connect to their loved ones, workplace, education, and health care providers. I applaud the effort by TDS to connect hundreds of addresses in rural Wisconsin to our modern economy.”
TDS invested $7.1 million to complete the network upgrades, building off a combination of public support. In late 2023, TDS-owned Farmer’s Telephone Company received more than $1.55 million from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to deliver fiber connectivity to over 800 addresses. TDS also upgraded an additional 400 addresses, in part by leveraging funds from the Federal Communications Commission’s Enhanced Alternative Connect America Model (E-ACAM) program designed to support broadband connectivity in high-cost rural America. The Grant County project represents TDS’ first completed E-ACAM build.
TDS remains committed to ongoing investment in rural broadband and is working to upgrade its entire footprint to fiber-based service. For more information about new service availability, visit TDStelecom.com or call 1-888-225-5837.
This project is being supported in whole or in part, through $1,555,174 of funds from the State of Wisconsin, acting by and through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
