TDS Telecom wins $1.3M grant for Maine rural broadband upgrades

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is pleased to be awarded more than $1.3 million in state grant funding to upgrade a portion of its network in rural Maine.

The Maine Connectivity Authority awarded the funding through its Reach Me program. The grant helps cover “last mile” line extension upgrades in five communities: Kingfield, New Vineyard, North New Portland, Solon, and Strong. The TDS network will be upgraded to fiber internet, with speeds up to 8Gig.

“This funding will help bring faster internet speeds to more than 800 service addresses in Somerset and Franklin counties,” said Drew Petersen, TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “No matter where you live, it’s more important than ever to have a strong, reliable internet connection. We thank the Maine Connectivity Authority for approving our application and look forward to beginning work later this year.”

The grant funding is supplemented by funds from TDS.

The project is just one component of TDS’ work to expand fiber communication services to a number of municipalities in Maine, which TDS has served since 1971. In addition to private investment and state grants, TDS is leveraging Alternative Connect America funds to expand and improve broadband service to customers in Maine.

TDS is also a participant in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Qualified ACP customers can receive symmetrical speeds up to 200Mbps at no cost with the company’s TDS Connect product.  

Media Contact: Mark Schaaf | Associate Manager - Communications | TDS Telecom | 414-326-3588 | mark.schaaf@tdstelecom.com  

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.1 million connections, TDS’ mission is to create a better world through its communications services. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, and data networking services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,400 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS]. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video and voice services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular and TDS Telecom. Visit tdsinc.com.

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