wiredinUSA February 2020

Image: Clare Carlson

North Dakota funding

Clare Carlson, state director of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) North Dakota Rural Development, has announced the USDA’s investment in broadband infrastructure projects for the state. Just one of the funding announcements for the first round of USDA’s ReConnect Pilot Program investments, $23 million will be used to create or improve rural e-Connectivity. communications investments in rural areas of North Dakota is important because when rural America thrives, all America thrives,” Carlson said. “Polar Communications and Daktel Communications will use USDA’s ReConnect Program to provide essential broadband technology to rural areas, which is a utility as important as water, sewer and electricity. North Dakota farms and ranches, small businesses and families “Providing critical

in these communities will experience a positive economic impact from access to broadband e-Connectivity.” Polar Communications will use a $21.2 million loan and grant combination in ReConnect Program funding to construct a 1,870-square-mile fiber-to-the-premises network. Polar Communications’ optic fiber network provides voice, video and broadband services, and advanced business services such as phone systems, video surveillance and advanced networking. Daktel Communications, a competitive local exchange carrier that provides services within the Jamestown, North Dakota area, will use a $1.8 million ReConnect Program grant to provide broadband service over a 354-square- mile network.

wiredInUSA - February 2020

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