March 29, 2012 — TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®) announces it’s three-quarters of the way through pre-bid meetings. During the meetings, TDS outlines its stimulus-funded projects that will expand broadband Internet access to more than 27,000 rural customers across the country.
“The pre-bid meetings get us one step closer to putting shovels in the ground,” says Andrew Petersen, vice president of External Affairs and Communications for TDS. “We are committed to delivering fast, reliable Internet services—and we’re getting closer to providing our customers the services they are anxiously awaiting.”
This month, TDS hosted meetings in Ala., Ga., Ky., Miss., and Okla. to discuss construction needs for nine of their projects. Since mid-January, TDS has hosted pre-bid meetings for 30 of its 44 projects.
Petersen says “In some areas, contracts have been awarded. Now we’re finalizing plans and schedules so we can start digging. Many communities will see construction activity this spring and summer.”
In addition, construction is already underway in Chatham, Mich. and Orchard Farm, Mo.
The projects are funded, in part, by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act via the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS). In total, TDS is receiving funding from the RUS that will lead to 27,000 more households gaining access to broadband Internet services by the end of 2013.
Today, TDS offers Internet service to more than 93 percent of their customers nationwide. The remaining seven percent live in mostly rural areas where distance and topography issues push the limits of technology. According to TDS, these issues make it very difficult to develop a solid business case to expand broadband services. The ARRA funds make it possible for companies, like TDS, to expand their networks and deliver services to people currently without access to a reliable high-speed Internet connection.
More details about TDS’ stimulus funded Internet projects can be found at www.tdstelecom.com/MediaRoom/StimulusFunding.aspx.
