TDS® receives nearly $3.9M in stimulus funds to expand broadband access in Alabama

MADISON, Wis. (Jan. 25, 2010) — Today, TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®) received notification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that its application to expand broadband Internet services to TDS customers in the Grove Hill, Ala. area has been approved. TDS will receive $3,892,919 to expand its services within Clarke County.

“We’ve been anticipating additional market announcements. We are pleased our application for Alabama is being funded and look forward to expanding broadband services in our serving area,” says Dave Wittwer, president and CEO for TDS. “This project will help to grow the local economy and delight our rural Alabama customers, who are the true beneficiaries of today’s announcement.”

Earlier today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of fourteen Recovery Act Broadband Infrastructure projects that will receive $309,923,352 through funding made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. An additional $3,551,887 in private investment brings the total to $313,475,239. Altogether, Congress awarded USDA $2.5 billion in Recovery Act funding to help bring broadband services to rural un-served and underserved communities.

In total, TDS applied for 13 grants in nine states; received positive notification for one grant in Chatham, Mich. in Dec. 2009 and is optimistic its remaining 11 applications in Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Oregon, will also be fully funded.

TDS is experienced at providing rural areas with broadband. In fact, more than 93 percent of its customers (in 30 states) already have access to high-speed Internet services. TDS is intent on connecting its remaining customers with broadband connectivity and federal stimulus funds will assist in closing that gap.

“Certainly this project in Alabama exemplifies the need for high-speed Internet connections in rural America,” says Andrew Petersen, director of external affairs and communications for TDS. “TDS is delighted to receive the $3.9 million award and looks forward to beginning construction to expand Internet services to more customers in southwestern Alabama.”

-30-

NOTE: Additional, related/historical news releases include: USDA announcement, TDS announces its application for stimulus funds and availability of a summary of the applications.

 

For more information:
 DeAnne Boegli, National Public Relations Manager
 TDS Telecommunications Corp.
 608-664-4428 / deanne.boegli@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 3,300 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.

Search Bar

Filter search results:

Not finding what you're looking for?

Visit our support site for FAQs, how-tos, and other useful resources.