TDS® announces completion of three ARRA broadband stimulus projects
Completed projects in Okla., Wash., and Wis. deliver high-speed Internet service to a combined 1,350 households.
TDS Telecom (TDS®) announces completion of three more American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus-funded broadband Internet projects. The completion means a combined 1,350 households in parts of Oklahoma, Washington, and Wisconsin gain access to high-speed Internet service.
TDS is receiving funding for 44 projects, including these three, from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) as part of the ARRA.
In Oklahoma, nearly 400 residents in parts of Pontotoc, Coal and Johnston counties, which is part of TDS’ Mid-America Telephone Company, now have access to high-speed Internet service. In early May, TDS announced a portion of this project, around Harden City, was accessible to customers. Now, it’s complete and TDS installed eight cabinets (which protect the advanced network electronics) to connect more residents and businesses to high-speed Internet service. TDS projected the cost at more than $1.5 million. The RUS grant covered 75 percent of the cost and TDS invested the remaining 25 percent (nearly $400,000) to expand broadband to more area businesses and residents.
TDS’ stimulus-funded project in Washington included the installation of about 10 miles of fiber optics cabling and six cabinets. In late January, TDS announced a portion of this project was complete. Today, it’s complete and more than 400 residents around Onalaska and Salkum, which is part of TDS’ McDaniel Telephone Company have gained access to high-speed Internet service in this area. TDS projected the cost at nearly $1.6 million. TDS invested 25 percent (nearly $400,000) and the RUS grant covered 75 percent.
TDS’ stimulus-funded project in Wisconsin included the installation of about 12 miles of fiber optics cabling and nine cabinets. In mid-March, TDS announced a portion of this project was available to customers. Today, it’s complete and nearly 550 residents around Valders, and between Cleveland and Howards Grove, which is part of TDS’ EastCoast Telecom have gained access to high-speed Internet service in this area. TDS projected the cost at about $2.2 million. The RUS grant covered 75 percent of the cost and TDS invested nearly $550,000.
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. With the help of ARRA funding, TDS has already expanded high-speed Internet service access to more than 30,000 households across the country.
For background information or to sign-up for services, call 888-225-5837 or visit www.tdstelecom.com/stimulus
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