TDS announces progress on two ARRA broadband projects in Indiana
Stimulus-funded project by Geneva is complete; project around Tipton is partially complete.
Today, TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®) announces completion of one stimulus-funded project in Indiana and partial completion of another. The projects, funded in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), make high-speed Internet service accessible to more Indiana households and businesses.
The completed project, around Geneva, Ind., makes high-speed Internet service accessible to about 200 households. TDS installed three new cabinets (which protect the advanced network electronics) throughout its Home Telephone Company exchange. TDS projected the cost at about $550,000. The RUS grant covered 75 percent of the cost and TDS invested the remaining 25 percent (about $140,000) to expand broadband further out.
Partial completion of the project around Tipton, Ind. provides some area households access to high-speed Internet service. The project, which is expected to wrap up by the end of the year, will provide about 400 area households with access to a high-speed Internet connection. Nearly seven miles of fiber optics and six new cabinets are being installed in this TDS exchange known as Tipton Telephone Company, Inc.
Earlier this month, TDS also announced completion of its ARRA stimulus-funded projects around Camden, Ind. Since July, TDS has completed seven broadband expansion projects. In addition to Indiana, more households and businesses in New Hampshire, New York, Georgia, Wisconsin and Missouri have access to a high-speed Internet connection. Customers interested in signing up for services should call 888-CALL-TDS (888-225-5837).
These projects are among 44 that TDS is receiving funding for from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) as part of the ARRA.
Nationwide, more than 95 percent of TDS customers already have access to high-speed Internet service. TDS is intent on providing as many remaining customers with broadband connectivity as possible. According to TDS, federal stimulus funds are helping to close the gap and deliver Internet connectivity to more than 20,000 customers.
For background information and updates, visit www.tdstelecom.com/stimulus.
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