TDS launching network upgrades across America

Across America TDS is expanding and improving its network. However, some customers are in hard-to-reach areas of the country located in rural, geographically challenging areas. As you can expect, these areas are more costly to connect, but help is on the way!

Using a combination of funding sources from TDS, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM), and from several state broadband expansion grants – TDS and its associates are now working to connect customers and improve internet speeds in the hardest to reach areas of TDS' serving area.

TDS is also working to increase internet speeds throughout its communities, launching increased speeds up to 8Gig.

To find out what services are being offered in your state, click below:

FCC A-CAM Network Upgrade FAQs

  • What is A-CAM?
    The FCC’s Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) program provides funding to carriers to help support broadband development in areas that are hilly, wooded, or extremely rural. Over the past five years, TDS Telecom elected to receive support to increase broadband access in 25 states at speeds up to 25/3Mbps to 159,612 locations within 12 years from the FCC’s Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM), under the Connect America Fund (CAF) program. In total, TDS Telecom will receive $1.01B in A-CAM funding over a 12-year implementation horizon to provide broadband at varying speeds to 159,612 locations.
  • When did TDS begin work on the buildout?
    Immediately following TDS’ acceptance of the FCC’s offer announcement in 2017, TDS developed a timeline, began hiring contractors, and developed construction plans for more than 1,600 projects, in 25 states. TDS is currently working on an upgrade project in all 25 states.
  • How were buildout areas determined?
    The FCC determined the areas eligible for broadband expansions. The FCC then extended offers of funding to TDS and other carriers across the country. These areas were identified by the FCC because they cannot receive at least 10Mbps/1Mbps or better from TDS or any other provider. If areas have higher than 10Mbps, they are not eligible for A-CAM support.
  • Why did TDS accept funding from the FCC?
    Due to low-density population, mountainous, hilly, or wooded terrains, the cost to build out broadband service in rural communities is expensive and would not be built without additional financial support given the economic limitations. Participating in the FCC's A-CAM program enables TDS to bring faster, more reliable internet service to households in otherwise very expensive-to-serve areas.
  • Where else does TDS get funding for unserved and underserved areas?
    TDS has successfully received almost $50 million in additional broadband funding from state broadband grant programs in: California, Minnesota, New York, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. These grants allow TDS to improve broadband services for additional customers in these states.
  • What happens before construction begins?
    TDS will notify the local locator network to find out exactly where the underground facilities are located. If you have any private underground facilities such as dog fencing, sprinkler systems, private power lines, drain tiles, or anything else, please clearly mark those prior to starting construction.

The FCC has a map available on its website that provides details on which areas are eligible/ineligible for the A-CAM program.

If you have specific questions about the project at your location, please contact networkinquiry@tdstelecom.com or submit your question here.