gigcertNTCA – The Rural Broadband Association said it has certified nine small service providers as Gig-Capable Providers under a program announced earlier this year. The goal of that program is to build awareness and industry recognition of community-based providers that have built gigabit networks.

To obtain certification, rural telcos must document that gigabit technology is currently commercially available within 95% of one or more exchanges within their serving territory. They also must show that the service can be provided without new trenching or stringing new aerial facilities.

NTCA Gig-Capable Certification
In a press release about the nine companies, NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield praised the nine small telcos for their accomplishment. “By building a gigabit-capable network, these companies have not only overcome . . . challenges, but also shattered conventional benchmarks for broadband speed to enable cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their communities, regions and nationwide.”

The nine companies that have received certification are:

  • NineStar Connect, Indiana
  • Wilkes Communications, North Carolina
  • Polar Communications, North Dakota
  • SkyLine Membership Corporation, North Carolina
  • Omnitel Communications, Iowa
  • Premier Communications, Iowa
  • Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative, Kentucky
  • West Wisconsin Telecom Cooperative
  • Dickey Rural Networks, North Dakota

Join the Conversation

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t Miss Any of Our Content

What’s happening with broadband and why is it important? Find out by subscribing to Telecompetitor’s newsletter today.

You have Successfully Subscribed!