TDS® awarded broadband funds for Cass and Crow Wing counties

$3 million grant will be used to expand and improve broadband services in two Minnesota counties.

TDS Telecom (TDS®) is receiving $3 million, and will invest $3 million as well, to expand and improve broadband services in parts of Crow Wing and Cass Counties, Minnesota. The announcement, made by Lt. Governor Tina Smith and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is part of the state’s effort to level the playing field by expanding broadband access.

As part of the announcement, TDS Telecom will expand broadband service to serve more than 3,400 unserved households. In addition, more than 60 businesses, 142 small enterprises, and a number of community anchor institutions will receive access to improved high-speed internet service. The project will impact residents and businesses in parts of Backus, Hackensack, Ideal Corners, Pequot Lakes, Pine River, and Woman Lake.

The following statement can be attributed Jean Pauk, State Government Affairs manager at TDS Telecom:

“We are pleased our application to improve broadband services in Crow Wing and Cass Counties has been approved. Our customers have been clamoring for improvement and will be the true beneficiary of this grant, which will ensure better, faster and more reliable internet service.

“As part of DEED’s announcement, TDS will receive half of the $6 million needed to build out service to more than 3,400 customers and a number of businesses and institutions throughout Crow Wing and Cass counties. Through this 50/50 grant, TDS will invest in improving and expanding our infrastructure to deliver internet speeds of 25/3 Mbps.

“We look forward to breaking ground and moving this project forward. However, before we can start, DEED must send us official notification. Once we review and formally accept the funding, we’ll look to complete the work within two years.”

In total, DEED announced they would be investing $34 million to fund 42 broadband infrastructure projects in Minnesota.

Media Contact: Cindy Tomlinson | Associate Manager – Public Relations | TDS Telecom | 608-664-4471 | cindy.tomlinson@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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