The USDA ReConnect program has granted the Pembroke Telephone Company $4.6 million to build a FTTP network in rural Georgia.
The grant will be used to deploy a network connecting 3,444 people living in 1,326 households, 73 farms and 19 businesses in Evans and Tattnall counties.
So far, the second round of the program has awarded 85 projects in 35 states and territories for a total of $658,456,862. Round one of the program funded 77 projects in 33 states and territories.
The ReConnect program so far has awarded $1,321,655,600 in grants, loans or combination grant/loans for 165 projects aimed at creating or extending broadband services in rural areas of the United States, according to the USDA website.
This is not the first award to Pembroke Telephone under the program. In the first round, the provider was awarded $4,072,500 in a grant/loan combination to deploy a FTTP network in Evans County.
Some other providers in Georgia also have received USDA ReConnect awards. Ellijay Telephone Company got a grant for $4.411,079 to build a 1 Gbps network serving a 7.71 square mile area. Also in the first round, the Darien Telephone Company got a 1,086,649 grant to build a FTTP network providing services over a 6.93 square mile area.
In the second round, DoveTel Communications LLC got a grant of $12,575,317 to build a FTTP network covering a 125.31 square mile area.
