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NC Hearts Gigabit - Community Broadband Bits Podcast 280

NC Hearts Gigabit is a grassroots group recently launched in North Carolina that aims to dramatically improve Internet access and utilization across the state. We caught up with Economic Development Consultant Christa Wagner Vinson, CEO of Open Broadband Alan Fitzpatrick, and Partner of Broadband Catalysts Deborah Watts to discuss what they are doing. 

We discuss their goals and vision for a more connected North Carolina as well as their organizing methods. Given my experiences dining in that state, I'm not surprised that they have often organized around meals - good stuff!

NC Hearts Gigabit offers an important model for people who feel left out of the modern political system. It is an opportunity to get out from behind the desk, engage others, and build a coalition to seize control of the future for a community or even larger region. And have a tasty lunch.

Learn more on their website or follow them on Twitter.

This show is 27 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed

Transcript below. 

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

Wilson, North Carolina's Fiber Network Headlines Economic Development Plan

Wilson has made their community-owned Greenlight fiber network central to their economic development plan, a move that may forge a new approach for other communities with similar assets.

Revitalization Efforts

In 2008, when Wilson’s Greenlight community network first launched, the Federal Communications Commission ranked North Carolina last in the nation in percentage of households subscribing to at least a "basic broadband" service. Today Wilson offers free Wi-Fi downtown, schools and libraries are outfitted with high-quality connectivity, and a majority of households subscribe to the broadband service.

Home to over 50,000 residents, Wilson has had a diverse history of industries popping up and dissipating over the years. After deploying their Greenlight Community Broadband, they’ve leveraged new businesses and an entrepreneurial spirit that shows no sign of relenting.

Wilson is initially focusing development downtown. The local daily paper The Wilson Daily Times decided to refurbish an old building and move downtown. The city raised money to renovate an old theater into a cultural center, and an electrical components manufacturing company, Peak Demand, has invested $2.6 million to renovate an old tobacco processing plant.

A Shift From the Old

Wilson involves all community stakeholders to make this revitalization a success. They have worked closely with Barton College, a liberal arts university, and the local nursing school. The community is consciously trying to buy locally and many people meet to discuss how best to promote this.

Wilson’s economic development model has evolved alongside their broadband network and they credit much of their success to Greenlight's benefits. In years past, many towns looked to bolster their economy by attracting companies that offered a windfall of manufacturing jobs— an industrial-era dream. But Wilson is no longer fretting over the decline of large-scale manufacturing companies that once haunted rural America. Instead, they’ve embraced the evolution towards technology companies and entrepreneurial business.

Western North Carolina Residents: Take this Online Broadband Survey!

If you live in western North Carolina and struggle with the lack of quality Internet access, the Southwestern Commission — a council of local governments for the region’s seven westernmost counties — in cooperation with the MountainWest Partneship are urging residents to take this survey. Counties in the council include Haywood, Swain, Jackson, Macon, Graham, Cherokee, and Clay.

The goal is to quantify the demand for Internet regionally, focusing on individual counties as opposed to census blocks, in order to better determine accessibility issues. It’s an important process to show Internet providers that there is demand, debunking ISPs claim that rural demand for high-speed Internet doesn't justify the investment. Better data can also establish a foundation for future funding opportunities.

Sarah Thompson, the executive director of the council explained,

It’s really in my opinion one of the most important parts of the process. You’re basically showing [internet service providers] that there is demand, it’s showing even when there is service it’s subpar. In order to move forward with projects, we have to have that data to back up the need. To show that there are opportunities.

FCC’s Inaccurate Data Collection

Through the FCC’s form 477 data collection efforts, the Commission attempted to carry out these crucial first steps in showing aggregate demand and problematic broadband service. The data was compiled into the easily accessible National Broadband Map.

Data is collected from ISPs and it provides information to the FCC based on which census blocks ISPs serve. The problem is that this data exaggerates where coverage is available in rural areas where census blocks can be very large. Areas that may appear on the FCCs maps to be served or to be served with better connectivity are often in reality not served or served with Internet access much slower than FCC mapping indicates. Because state and federal entities typically award grants and loans to communities with the greatest need first, incorrect mapping eliminates rural communities from funding opportunities when they need it the most.

Bring The Story Of Wilson And Pinetops To Your Community

The future of high-quality Internet access in Pinetops, North Carolina, is precarious. Nearby Wilson’s municipal fiber network, Greenlight, provides gigabit connectivity for now, but a series of federal level decisions could change the situation at any moment. Now the story of these two communities and their fight for local telecommunications authority has come to life in the film Do Not Pass Go. Local communities can schedule a screening of the documentary. Watch the trailer below.

A Story Worth Telling

Cullen Hoback’s film tells the story that made national news and that we’ve shared as events unfolded.

Wilson, North Carolina’s municipal Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network has benefitted residents, businesses, and institutions in Wilson since 2008. Neighboring rural towns, including Pinetops, had asked Wilson to expand in order to obtain better Internet access but state law precluded Wilson from serving beyond county borders.

When Chattanooga decided to challenge Tennessee’s law that had a similar effect, Wilson joined the motion to the FCC in 2015. The Commission struck down both laws and Wilson took the opportunity to expand service to Pinetops, the small mountain town of about 1,400 people. Pinetops businesses and residents immediately felt the improvement with FTTH. They experienced economic development opportunities and municipal facilities functioned more efficiently.

Verizon Will Cut Off Rural Subscribers In Thirteen States

A recent proposal being considered by the FCC that has raised the loudest outcry has been the status of mobile broadband in rural areas. Now that Verizon is discontinuing rural subscriber accounts, the FCC will be able to see those concerns come to life.

Dear John...

The company has decided to cut service to scores of customers in 13 states because those subscribers have used so many roaming charges, Verizon says it isn’t profitable for the company. Service will end for affected subscribers after October 17th.

Verizon claims customers who use data while roaming via other providers’ networks create roaming costs that are higher than what the customers pay for services. In rural communities, often mobile wireless is the best (albeit poor) or only option for Internet access, so subscribers use their phones to go online.

Subscribers are from rural areas in Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wisconsin.

In a letter sent to customers scheduled to be cut off, Verizon offered no option, such as paying more for more data or switching to a higher cost plan. Many of the people affected were enrolled in unlimited data plans:

“During a recent review of customer accounts, we discovered you are using a significant amount of data while roaming off the Verizon Wireless network. While we appreciate you choosing Verizon, after October 17th, 2017, we will no longer offer service for the numbers listed above since your primary place of use is outside the Verizon service area.”

Affecting Customers And Local Carriers

Apparently, Verizon’s LTE in Rural America (LRA) program, which creates partnerships with 21 other carriers, is the culprit. The agreements it has with the other carriers through the program allows Verizon subscribers to use those networks when they use roaming data, but Verizon must pay the carriers’ fees. Verizon has confirmed that they will disconnect 8,500 rural customers who already have little options for connectivity.

Philip Dampier at Stop The Cap! writes:

North Carolina's WestNGN Releases Request For Negotiations: Responses Due September 21st

For the past year, six municipalities along with local colleges and universities have collaborated to lay the groundwork for fiber optic infrastructure in the greater Asheville area. The group, West Next Generation Network (WestNGN), is now ready to find a partner to begin hammering out details in order to realize the concept. They’ve released the WestNGN Broadband Request for Negation (RFN) and responses are due September 21st.

The plan closely resembles the North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN) in the Research Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. WestNGN will include the communities of Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Laurel Park, and Waynesville - all of which belong to the Land of Sky Regional Council. The Council has helped with administration and in drafting the RFN aimed at improving local connectivity and boosting regional economic development.

Strategic Alliance Partnership

WestNGN’s RFN states that they want to establish a Strategic Alliance Partnership with a single ISP or a group of ISPs that possess an interest in both providing service and in deployment. WestNGN puts negotiation of ownership of assets and use of those assets at the top of the list for discussion points, signaling that rhey aren't set on a fixed approach. Similarly, they hope to negotiate matters such as management, operation, and maintenance of local networks; ways to speed up deployment and reduce costs; and ways to better serve low-income residents.

Goals For The Network

WestNGN plans to bring gigabit connectivity to residents, businesses, and community anchor institutions in the region. They specifically state their priority for this level of capacity, but note that their future partner will have time to gradually implement it, if necessary. They also stress the need for symmetrical service speeds. Several employers in the region have determined that upload speeds - from their offices and for their employees at home - are increasingly desirable. The consortium has recognized that home-based businesses in the region are also multiplying every year.

Cooperatives Build Community Networks

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Cooperative Fiber Projects 2020

Cooperatives around the country have built on their long legacy of delivering essential infrastructure by starting to deliver next-generation Internet services. Here, we cover the basics of cooperatives in rural areas and then discuss the details of electric and telephone cooperatives that have already branched out into Internet service. Finally, we highlight the first fiber optic cooperative provider, and discuss how other communities have better Internet service through building their own networks.

Why Rural Cooperatives?

Cooperatives are part of the fabric of rural America. The member owners control the cooperative: each person receiving service is a member of the cooperative and can directly vote in elections for the Board of Directors or even become a member of the Board.  

Starting in the 1930s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture supported communities as they created more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country. In the 1950s, the federal government again supported communities building telephone networks, crisscrossing the country with telephone cooperatives to connect rural communities.

Each technology brought new markets, revitalized economies, and revolutionized industries. Cooperatives have a long history of building and maintaining essential infrastructure and providing excellent service in rural communities. Now they have the chance to do that again by building next-generation networks for Internet service.

Rural Public Policies

Rural areas face a number of challenges that urban and suburban communities do not. Low population density coupled with rough terrain can make building infrastructure challenging. Added to these factors, rural communities may not have access to the same financial resources as larger towns and cities do. 

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MN House Chamber

Cooperatives, however, have made infrastructure projects work in rural communities for nearly a century. They have access to funding from their membership base, local banks, and often the federal government. Some state governments have expanded their broadband grant and loan programs to include electric cooperatives. Other states have clarified laws and policies to recognize that electric cooperatives can build fiber networks for Internet service using their current infrastructure. A few states have even removed legislative hurdles that stymied investments by electric cooperatives. Technically, the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Section 253, prohibits states from stopping any co-op from offering Internet service, but co-ops in many states are loathe to challenge state law in court.

North Carolina

In 2019, the state removed restrictions that prevented electric cooperatives from using USDA funding for non-electrical purposes, such as broadband networks. Our 2016 report, North Carolina Connectivity: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, highlighted how this roadblock kept the state’s electric co-ops from providing service to many rural communities. 

Tennessee

During the 2017 legislative session, this state has clarified the language in its laws to allow electric cooperatives to build networks for Internet service. 

Indiana

Cooperatives already have access to utility poles, easements, and Rights-of-Way in the communities that they serve. Indiana, however, needed to clarify that electric co-ops can use this access to provide Internet service, so it passed the FIBRE Act. Other states, including Georgia, Maryland, and Texas, have since followed suit.

Minnesota & Colorado

Minnesota and Colorado have made funding easier to access for cooperatives interested in providing Internet service. Both states have designed grant programs that promote local solutions to connectivity problems. In Minnesota, cooperatives provide most of the Fiber-to-the-Home Internet service thanks in no small part to that grant program. 

Overbuild Or Underbuild?

In Community Broadband Bits Podcast Episode 91, Christopher Mitchell and Lisa Gonzalez discusses strategies for building Internet infrastructure in rural are. What do communities need to thrive? 

Listen to the podcast.

Electric Cooperatives

More than 900 rural electric cooperatives provide electricity to about 12 percent of the U.S. population. Their service area, however, covers more than half of the total land, nearly 2 million square miles. About 90 rural electric co-ops have embarked on fiber optic projects to increase Internet access for their members. 

Several of these electric cooperatives started by building fiber optic lines to substations and large demand centers to increase the reliability of the electric system through better monitoring. This could then form the backbone of a network for Internet service to businesses and residents. 

Articles and Interviews

We have written many articles and collected several reports detailing how electric cooperatives have tried to increase Internet access in their communities. These stories show the many different ways electric cooperatives have structured partnerships and programs for their members.

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Telephone Pole

Several electric cooperatives provide Internet service themselves. Some started pilot projects, while others built out to their entire service area. The Fiber-to-the-Home project by Valley Electric Association boosted the local economy in Pahrump, Nevada. The co-op has already added 31 new jobs because of the fiber service. 

Others partner with an existing telephone cooperative or telephone company. Ouachita Electric in Arkansas is one of the many cooperatives to have done this. By combining their resources and expertise, this partnership is able to extend electric and Internet service throughout much of southern Arkansas.

Many electric cooperatives work together, such as Sho-Me Power in Missouri and LS Networks in Oregon. These cooperatives have provided connectivity for local ISPs and businesses, and now are looking to connect residents.  

In episode 229 of the Community Broadband Bits podcast, Jon Chambers, the former head of the FCC Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis, describes how electric cooperatives have the potential to bring Internet access to unserved rural America. 

Mel Coleman, president of NRECA and CEO of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, joined the podcast in episode 243 to discuss how the electric co-op had improved Internet access for its members and what other cooperatives are doing.

Find more in our archives.

List of Fiber Projects

This is a list of the rural electric cooperatives that have programs and projects to increase connectivity in their service areas. They do not all provide Fiber-to-the-Home. Some only offer fiber connections to businesses or provide wireless last mile connections while others focus on dark fiber and fiber transport services for other Internet Service Providers. (Total: 109) (Last updated: 12/2019)

Electric CooperativeStateProject
Central Alabama Electric CooperativeAlabamaFTTH (announced)
Joe Wheeler Electric Membership CorporationAlabamaFTTH (announced)
North Alabama Electric CooperativeAlabamaFTTH
Tombigbee Electric Cooperative (freedom FIBER)AlabamaFTTH
Wiregrass Electric CooperativeAlabamaFiber backbone (under construction) ⁠— collaboration with cable company to connect members
Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative (WAVE Rural Connect)ArkansasFTTH
Craighead Electric Cooperative Corporation (Empower)ArkansasFTTH
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NEXT)ArkansasFTTH
Ouachita Electric Cooperative (ARIS)ArkansasFTTH ⁠— collaboration with telephone company
Ozarks Electric Cooperative (OzarksGo)ArkansasFTTH
South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative (South Central Connect)ArkansasFTTH
Anza Electric Cooperative (ConnectAnza)CaliforniaFTTH
Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications)CaliforniaFTTH & wireless with fiber backbone
San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (Ciello)ColoradoFTTH
Delta-Montrose Electric Association (Elevate Fiber)ColoradoFTTH
Southeast Colorado Power Association (SECOM)ColoradoFTTH
Yampa Valley Electric Association (Luminate Broadband)ColoradoFTTH
Blue Ridge Mountain EMCGeorgia &
North Carolina
FTTH
Habersham Electric Membership Corporation (Trailwave; North Georgia Network Cooperative)GeorgiaFTTH; FTTB and Schools
Jefferson Energy CooperativeGeorgiaFTTB ⁠— collaboration with Pineland Telephone Cooperative
Illinois Electric CooperativeIllinoisFTTH
Jo-Carrol Energy (Sand Prairie)IllinoisFTTH & wireless with fiber backbone
Jackson County Rural Electric Membership Corporation (Jackson Connect)IndianaFTTH
Johnson County Rural Electric Membership CorporationIndianaFTTH ⁠— collaboration with NineStar Connect
NineStar Connect (merger between Central Indiana Power and Hancock Telecom)IndianaFTTH
Orange County Rural Electric Membership CorporationIndianaFTTH
South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership CorporationIndianaFTTH
Tipmont Rural Electric Membership Corporation (Wintek)IndianaFTTH
Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative (AC Skyways)IowaWireless with fiber backbone
Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (MVLink)IowaFTTH
Bulter Electric Cooperative (Velocity)KansasFTTH
Warren Rural Electric Cooperative CorporationKentuckyFTTH pilot projects (announced) ⁠— collaborations with North Central Telephone Company and Franklin Electric Power Board
Great Lakes Energy (Truestream)MichiganFTTH
Midwest Energy Cooperative (Midwest Energy and Communications)MichiganFTTH
Tri-County Electric Cooperative (HomeWorks Connect)MichiganFTTH
Arrowhead Electric Cooperative (True North Broadband)MinnesotaFTTH
Meeker Cooperative Light and Power Association (Vibrant Broadband)MinnesotaWireless with fiber backbone ⁠— collaboration with Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company and Spring Grove Communications
MiEnergy Electric CooperativeMinnesotaFTTH & wireless with fiber backbone
Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (XStream Internet)MinnesotaFTTH ⁠— collaboration with telephone cooperative CTC
Roseau Electric CooperativeMinnesotaFTTH (announced) ⁠— collaboration with local telephone company
Alcorn County Electric Power Association (ACE Fiber)MississippiFTTH (announced)
Coast Electric Power Association (CoastConnect)MississippiFTTH (announced)
Delta Electric Power AssociationMississippiFTTH
Monroe County Electric Power Association (M-Pulse Fiber)MississippiFTTH (announced)
Natchez Trace Electric Power Association (NT Spark)MississippiFTTH
Northcentral Mississippi Electric Power Association (Northcentral Connect)MississippiFTTH
Northeast Mississippi Electric Power Association (North East Fiber, LLC/NE SPARC)MississippiFTTH
Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association (PearlComm Fiber)MississippiFTTH (Announced)
Prentiss County Electric Power AssociationMississippiFTTH (announced)
Singing River Electric Power Association (Singing River Connect)MississippiFTTH (pilot)
Southern Pine Electric Power AssociationMississippiFTTH
Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association (TVI-Fiber)MississippiFTTH (announced)
Tippah Electric Power AssociationMississippiFTTH (announced)
Tishomingo County Electric Power AssociationMississippiFTTH
Tombigbee Electric Power AssociationMississippiFTTH (announced)
Barry Electric Cooperative (goBEC)MissouriFTTH
Callaway Electric (Callabyte Technology)MissouriFTTH ⁠— collaboration with Kingdom Telephone Cooperative
Co-Mo Electric Cooperative (Co-Mo Connect)MissouriFTTH
Grundy Electric Cooperative (Mid-States Services)MissouriFTTH
Pemiscot Dunklin Electric Cooperative (Pemiscot Dunklin Fiber)MissouriFTTH
Ralls County Electric Cooperative (Ralls Technologies)MissouriFTTH
SEMO Electric Cooperative (GoSEMO Fiber)MissouriFTTH
United Electric Cooperative (United Fiber)MissouriFTTH
Crawford Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
Gascoasage Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
Laclede Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
Se-Ma-No Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
Southwest Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
Webster Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
White River Valley Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriFTTB & Transport Services
Valley Electric Association (Valley Communications Association)NevadaFTTH
Continental Divide Electric Cooperative (Red Bolt Broadband)New MexicoFTTH
Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (Kit Carson Internet)New MexicoFTTH
Delaware County Electric CooperativeNew YorkFTTH ⁠— collaboration with local telephone companies
Otsego Electric Cooperative (OEConnect)New YorkFTTH
French Broad Electric Membership CorporationNorth CarolinaFTTH
Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation (Bluewave Communications NC)North CarolinaFTTH ⁠— collaboration with Horry Telephone Cooperative
Roanoke Electric Cooperative (Roanoke Connect)North CarolinaFTTH
Consolidated Electric CooperativeOhioFTTH
East Central Oklahoma Cooperative (ecoLINK)OklahomaFTTH (under construction)
Lake Region Electric Cooperative (Lake Region Technology & Communications)OklahomaFTTH
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (Bolt Fiber Optic Services)OklahomaFTTH
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC Fiber)OklahomaFTTH
Consumers Power (Peak Internet)OregonFTTP (open access network) ⁠— collaboration with Pioneer Consolidated and Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company
Central Electric Cooperative (LS Networks)OregonFTTB, Schools, & Transport Services
Douglas Electric Cooperative (Douglas Fast Net; LS Networks)OregonFTTH; FTTB, Schools, & Transport Services
Hood River Electric Cooperative (CACHE Communications; LS Networks)OregonFTTH; FTTB, Schools, & Transport Services
Umatilla Electric Cooperative (LS Networks)OregonFTTB, Schools, & Transport Services
West Oregon Electric Cooperative (LS Networks)OregonFTTB, Schools, & Transport Services
Sullivan County Rural Electric CooperativePennsylvaniaFTTH (announced)
Tri-County Rural Electric CooperativePennsylvaniaFTTH (announced)
Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative (Carolina Connect)South CarolinaFTTH
Newberry Electric Cooperative (Carolina Connect)South CarolinaFTTH ⁠— collaboration with Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative
Appalachian Electric CooperativeTennesseeFTTH
Cumberland Electric Membership Cooperative (Cumberland Connect)TennesseeFTTH (announced)
Forked Deer Electric Cooperative (Forked Deer Connect)TennesseeFTTH
Gibson Electric Membership Corporation (Gibson Connect)TennesseeFTTH
Holston Electric Cooperative (Holston Connect)TennesseeFTTH
Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative (MLConnect)TennesseeFTTH
Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEConnect)TennesseeFTTH
Tri-County Electric CooperativeTennesseeFTTH
Volunteer Electric Cooperative (Twin Lakes, powered by VEC)TennesseeFTTH ⁠— collaboratin with Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative
Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC Fiber)TexasFTTH
Grayson Collin Electric Cooperative (Grayson Collin Communications)TexasFTTH
Guadalupe Valley Electric CooperativeTexasFTTH
Jackson Electric Cooperative (MyJEC.net)TexasFTTH & wireless with fiber backbone
Taylor Electric Cooperative (Access Fiber)TexasFTTH
Victoria Electric Cooperative (Infinium)TexasFTTH & wireless with fiber backbone
BARC Electric Cooperative (BARC Connects)VirginiaFTTH
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (Firefly Broadband)VirginiaFTTH
Craig-Botetourt Electric CooperativeVirginiaFTTH (announced)
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (EMPOWER Broadband)VirginiaFTTH
Prince George Electric Cooperative (Ruralband)VirginiaFTTH
Columbia Rural Electric Association (Columbia iConnect)WashingtonFTTH Pilot Project
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (Rock Island Communications)WashingtonFTTH
Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (Ntera)WisconsinFTTH ⁠— collaboration with telephone cooperative Citizens Connected

Telephone Cooperatives

There are about 260 telephone cooperatives in the United States. Many provide Internet service as a natural extension of their existing infrastructure. Many started out by providing dial-up and DSL services, but only recently have begun to transition to Fiber-to-the-Home. Some have already transitioned to an all-fiber network, having upgraded everyone in their territory to fiber.

The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) has a gigabit certification program in order to draw attention to how many small telephone companies cooperatives have built these next-generation networks. 

Articles & Interviews

We have featured a number of these cooperatives on our website. Some cooperatives choose to work with local governments or electric cooperatives while others focus on providing service alone. Below is just a small selection of the many cooperatives that have built Fiber-to-the-Home networks. 

In Michigan, a rural telephone cooperative got its start in the early 2000s. The community went from sparse telephone service to state-of-the-art Internet service. Read more about Allband Communications Cooperatives unique story here.

Paul Bunyan Communications Cooperative in Minnesota has expanded their GigaZone throughout the northern half of the state, including Red Lake Nation.

In Missouri, Callaway Electric Cooperative and Kingdom Telephone Company (the local telephone co-op) teamed up to form a new company together called Callabyte Technology to deliver Fiber-to-the-Home service.

Episode 188 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast features Eric Cramer, the President and CEO of Wilkes Communications/RiverStreet Networks. He explained how the telephone cooperative has built a Fiber-to-the-Home network throughout several counties in northern North Carolina.

Read more in our archives.

The First Internet Cooperative

Cooperatives are not just telephone and electric. There is now a workable model for Internet cooperatives created from scratch. RS Fiber in Minnesota is the first cooperative formed for the express purpose of providing reliable, high-speed Internet service. 

We have extensive coverage of how RS Fiber started and the rural communities they have connected. Read more in our report RS Fiber Fertile Fields: New Rural Internet Cooperative.

 

More Resources

List of Gigabit Cooperatives

These cooperatives offer gigabit speeds to residents and/or businesses within their service areas. (Total: 210) (Last updated: 12/2019)

Gigabit CooperativeStateType
3 Rivers CommunicationsMontanaTelephone
Ace Telephone Association (Ace Communications or AcenTek)Minnesota, Michigan, IowaTelephone
Adams Telephone CooperativeIllinoisTelephone
Albany Mutual Telephone AssociationMinnesotaTelephone
Appalachian Electric CooperativeTennesseeElectric
Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative (WAVE Rural Connect)ArkansasElectric
Arthur Mutual Telephone CompanyOhioTelephone
Atlantic Telephone Membership CorporationNorth CarolinaTelephone
Ballard Rural Telephone Cooperative Corporation (Bringing Technology Closer)KentuckyTelephone
Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC Fiber)TexasElectric
BARC Electric Cooperative (BARC Connects)VirginiaElectric
Barry Electric Cooperative (goBEC)MissouriElectric
Bascom CommunicationsOhioTelephone
BEK Communications Cooperative (BEK Lightband)North DakotaTelephone
Ben Lomand Rural Telephone Cooperative (Ben Lomand Connect)TennesseeeTelephone
Bledsoe Telephone CooperativeTennesseeeTelephone
Blue Valley TelecommunicationsKansasTelephone
Bulloch Telephone CooperativeGeorgiaTelephone
Callaway Electric Cooperative (Callabyte Technology) ⁠— collaboration with Kingdom Telephone CooperativeMissouriElectric and telephone
Canby Telephone Association (DirectLink)OregonTelephone
Central Electric Cooperative (LS Networks)OregonElectric
Central Texas Telephone CooperativeTexasTelephone
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (Firefly Broadband)VirginiaElectric
Chariton Valley Telephone CorporationMissouriTelephone
Chequamegon Communications Cooperative (Norvado)WisconsinTelephone
Chibardun Telephone Cooperative (Mosaic Telecom)WisconsinTelephone
Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (Ntera) ⁠— collaboration with telephone cooperative Citizens ConnectedWisconsinElectric and Telephone
Citizens ConnectedWisconsinTelephone
Citizens Mutual Telephone CooperativeIowaTelephone
Citizens Telephone CooperativeVirginiaTelephone
Citizens Telephone CooperativeWisconsinTelephone
Clay County Rural Telephone Cooperative (Endeavor Communications)IndianaTelephone
Co-Mo Electric Cooperative (Co-Mo Connect)MissouriElectric
Cochrane Cooperative Telephone CompanyWisconsinTelephone
Columbia Rural Electric Association (Columbia iConnect)WashingtonElectric
Columbus Telephone (Optic Communications)KansasTelephone
Consolidated Electric CooperativeOhioElectric
Consolidated TelcomNorth DakotaTelephone
Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC)MinnesotaTelephone
Cooperative Telephone ExchangeIowaTelephone
Copper Valley Telephone Cooperative (Copper Valley Telecom)AlaskaTelephone
Craighead Electric Cooperative Corporation (Empower)ArkansasElectric
Craw Kan Telephone CooperativeKansasTelephone
Crawford Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
Custer Telephone Cooperative, Inc.IdahoTelephone
Dakota Central TelecommunicationsNorth DakotaTelephone
Danville Mutual Telephone Company (i-connect you)IowaTelephone
Daviess-Martin Rural Telephone Corporation (RTC Communications)IndianaTelephone
DeKalb Telephone Cooperative, IncTennesseeTelephone
Delaware County Electric CooperativeNew YorkElectric
Delta-Montrose Electric Association (Elevate Fiber)ColoradoElectric
Dickey Rural Telephone CooperativeNorth DakotaTelephone
Douglas Electric Cooperative (Douglas Fast Net; LS Networks)OregonElectric
Eastern New Mexico Rural Telephone Cooperative (Plateau Telecommunications)New MexicoTelephone
Eastern Oregon TelecomOregonTelephone
Ellsworth Cooperative Telephone AssociationIowaTelephone
Emery TelcomUtahTelephone
Emily Cooperative Telephone CompanyMinnesotaTelephone
Farmers Mutual Cooperative Telephone CompanyIowaTelephone
Farmers Mutual Telephone CompanyIowaTelephone
Farmers Mutual Telephone Company (Acira ⁠— partnership with Federated Telephone Cooperative)MinnesotaTelephone
Farmers Telecommunications CooperativeAlabamaTelephone
Farmers Telephone CooperativeSouth CarolinaTelephone
Federated Telephone Cooperative (Acira ⁠— partnership with Farmers Mutual Telephone Company)MinnesotaTelephone
Foothills Telephone Cooperative (Foothills Communications)KentuckyTelephone
Forked Deer Electric Cooperative (Forked Deer Connect)TennesseeElectric
French Broad Electric Membership CorporationNorth CarolinaElectric
Garden Valley Telephone Company (Garden Valley Technologies)MinnesotaTelephone
Gascoasage Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
Gervais Telephone Company (DataVision Cooperative)OregonTelephone
Gibson Electric Membership Corporation (Gibson Connect)TennesseeElectric
Golden Belt Telephone AssociationKansasTelephone
Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation (GRM Networks)MissouriTelephone
Grayson Collin Electric Cooperative (Grayson Collin Communications)TexasElectric
Great Lakes Energy (Truestream)MississippiElectric
Griswold Cooperative Telephone Company (Griswold Communications)IowaTelephone
Grundy Electric Cooperative (Mid-States Services)MissouriElectric
Guadalupe Valley Electric CooperativeTexasElectric
Guadalupe Valley Telephone CooperativeTexasTelephone
Habersham Electric Membership Corporation (Trailwave; North Georgia Network Cooperative)GeorgiaElectric
Halstad Telephone CompanyMinnesotaTelephone
Highland Telephone CooperativeTennesseeTelephone
Hill Country Telephone CooperativeTexasTelephone
Holston Electric Cooperative (Holston Connect)TennesseeElectric
Hood River Electric Cooperative (CACHE Communications; LS Networks)OregonElectric
Horry Telephone CooperativeSouth CarolinaTelephone
Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
Huxley Communications CooperativeIowaTelephone
Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
Jackson County Rural Elctric Membership Corporation (Jackson Connect)IndianaElectric
Jefferson Energy Cooperative ⁠— collaboration with Pineland Telephone CooperativeGeorgiaElectric and Telephone
Jo-Carrol Energy (Sand Prairie)IllinoisElectric
Johnson County Rural Electric Membership Corporation ⁠— collaboration with NineStar ConnectIndianaElectric and telephone
Kalona Cooperative Technology CompanyIowaTelephone
Kingdom Telephone CompanyMissouriTelephone
Laclede Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
Lake Region Electric Cooperative (Lake Region Technology & Communications)OklahomaElectric
LaValle Telephone CooperativeWisconsinTelephone
Leaco Rural Telephone CooperativeNew MexicoTelephone
Lehigh Valley Cooperative Telephone AssociationIowaTelephone
Logan Telephone CooperativeKentuckyTelephone
Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (MVLink)IowaElectric
Marquette-Adams Telephone CooperativeWisconsinTelephone
Matanuska Telephone AssociationAlaskaTelephone
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (EMPOWER Broadband)VirginiaElectric
Meriweather Lewis Electric Cooperative (MLConnect)TennesseeElectric
Mid Century Telephone Cooperative (Mid Century Communications)IllinoisTelephone
Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative (Carolina Connect)South CarolinaElectric
Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative (Mid-Rivers Communications)MontanaTelephone
Midstate CommunicationsSouth DakotaTelephone
Midwest Energy Cooperative (Midwest Energy and Communications)MichiganElectric
Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (XStream Internet) ⁠— collaboration with CTCMinnesotaElectric and telephone
Molalla Telephone Company (Molalla Communications)OregonTelephone
Mountain Rural Telephone Cooperative CorporationKentuckyTelephone
Nelson Communications Cooperative (Ntec)WisconsinTelephone
Nemont Telephone CooperativeMontanaTelephone
New Hope Telephone CooperativeAlabamaTelephone
New Lisbon Telephone CompanyIndianaTelephone
Newberry Electric Cooperative (Carolina Connect)South CarolinaElectric
NineStar Connect (merger between Central Indiana Power and Hancock Telecom)IndianaElectric and telephone
North Alabama Electric CooperativeAlabamaElectric
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NEXT)ArkansasElectric
North Central Telephone CooperativeTennessee and KentuckyTelephone
North Dakota Telephone CompanyNorth DakotaTelephone
Northeast Nebraska Telephone CompanyNebraskaTelephone
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (Bolt Fiber Optic Services)OklahomaElectric
Northwest Communications CooperativeNorth DakotaTelephone
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC Fiber)OklahomaElectric
Orange County Rural Electric Membership CorporationIndianaElectric
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (Rock Island Communications)WashingtonElectric
Otsego Electric Cooperative (OEConnect)New YorkElectric
Ouachita Electric Cooperative (ARIS)ArkansasElectric
Ozarks Electric Cooperative (OzarksGo)ArkansasElectric
Palmetto Rural Telephone CompanySouth CarolinaTelephone
Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc.OklahomaTelephone
Panora Communications CooperativeIowaTelephone
Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone CooperativeMinnesotaTelephone
Peak Internet ⁠(partnership between Pioneer Consolidated, Consumers Power, and Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company)OregonElectric and telephone
Pemiscot Dunklin Electric CooperativeMissouriElectric
Peoples Rural Telephone CooperativeKentuckyTelephone
Peoples TelecommunicationsKansasTelephone
Perry-Spencer Rural Telephone Cooperative (Perry-Spencer Communications)IndianaTelephone
Phillips County Telephone Company (PC Telcom)ColoradoTelephone
Pineland Telephone CooperativeGeorgiaTelephone
Pioneer Telephone CooperativeOklahomaTelephone
Plains Cooperative Telephone AssociationColoradoTelephone
Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications)CaliforniaElectric
Polar Communications Mutual Aid CorporationNorth DakotaTelephone
Prince George Electric Cooperative (Ruralband)VirginiaElectric
Rainbow Telecommunications Association (Rainbow Communications)KansasTelephone
Ralls County Electric Cooperative (Ralls Technologies)MissouriElectric
Randolph Telephone Membership Corporation (Randoph Communications)North CarolinaTelephone
Range Telephone Cooperative (RT Communications)Montana, WyomingTelephone
Red River Rural Telephone AssociationNorth DakotaTelephone
Reservation Telephone CooperativeNorth DakotaTelephone
Richland-Grant Telephone CooperativeWisconsinTelephone
Runestone Telecom AssociationMinnesotaTelephone
Rural Telephone Service Cooperative (Nex-Tech)KansasTelephone
San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (Ciello)ColoradoElectric
Scio Mutual Telephone AssociationOregonTelephone
Se-Ma-No Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
SEMO Electric Cooperative (GoSEMO Fiber)MissouriElectric
Sequatchee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEConnect)TennesseeElectric
Sherwood Mutual Telephone AssociationOhioTelephone
Skyline Telephone Membership Corporation (SkyBest Communications)North CarolinaTelephone
South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative (South Central Connect)ArkansasElectric
South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership CorporationIndianaElectric
South Central Rural Telephone CooperativeKentuckyTelephone
South Central Utah Telephone Association (South Central Communications)UtahTelephone
South Slope Cooperative CommunicationsIowaTelephone
Southeast Colorado Power Association (SECOM)ColoradoElectric
Southwest Arkansas Telephone CooperativeArkansasTelephone
Southwest Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
SRT CommunicationsNorth DakotaTelephone
Star Telephone Membership Corporation (Star Communications)North CarolinaTelephone
Surry Communications Membership CooperationNorth CarolinaTelephone
Taylor Electric Cooperative (Access Fiber)TexasElectric
The Ottoville Mutual Telephone CompanyOhioTelephone
Tipmont Rural Electric Membership Corporation (Wintek)IndianaElectric
Tombigbee Electric Cooperative (freedom FIBER)AlabamaElectric
Tri-County Communications CooperativeWisconsinElectric
Tri-County Electric CooperativeTennesseeElectric
Tri-County Electric Cooperative (HomeWorks Connect)MichiganElectric
Tri-County Telephone AssociationKansasElectric
Tri-County Telephone Membership Corporation (RiverStreet Networks)North CarolinaTelephone
Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative CorporationTennesseeTelephone
UBTA-UBET Communications, also known as Strata NetworksColorado, Utah, and WyomingTelephone
Umatilla Electric Cooperative (LS Networks)OregonElectric
United Electric Cooperative (United Fiber)MissouriElectric
United Telephone Mutual Aid Corporation (Turtle Mountain Communications)North DakotaTelephone
Valley Electric Association (Valley Communications Association)NevadaElectric
Valley TelecommunicationsSouth DakotaTelephone
Venture Communications CooperativeSouth DakotaTelephone
Vernon Communications CooperativeWisconsinTelephone
Victoria Electric Cooperative (Infinium)TexasElectric
Volunteer Electric Cooperative (Twin Lakes, powered by VEC)TennesseeElectric and telephone
Wabash Communications CooperativeIllinoisTelephone
Wabash Mutual Telephone CompanyOhioTelephone
Washington County Rural Telephone Cooperative (Tele-media Solutions)IndianaTelephone
Webster Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone AssociationIowaTelephone
West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative (West Carolina Tel)South CarolinaTelephone
West Central Telephone AssociationMinnesotaTelephone
West Kentucky and Tennessee Communications CooperativeKentucky, TennesseeTelephone
West Oregon Electric Cooperative (LS Networks)OregonElectric
West River Telecommunications CooperativeNorth Dakota and South DakotaTelephone
West Wisconsin Telcom Cooperative (24-7 Telcom)WisconsinTelephone
White River Valley Electric Cooperative / Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative (Sho-Me Technologies)MissouriElectric
Wiggins Telephone Association (Blue Lightning)ColoradoTelephone
Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation (RiverStreet Networks)North CarolinaTelephone
Yampa Valley Electric Association (Luminate Broadband)ColoradoElectric
Yucca Telecommunications SystemsNew MexicoTelephone

Community Broadband Bits Podcast Episodes

Listen to our collection of Community Broadband Bits Podcasts to learn firsthand about how electric cooperatives have made the decision to provide Internet service.

#TitleSummaryGuestTranscript
383
11/19/2019
Tri-County Rural Electric Delivering Connectivity, Expanding Partnerships, in AppalachiansCo-op finds funding, partners to build broadband network demanded by membersCraig EccherTranscript 383
369
8/13/2019
South Dakota Fiber All About the LocalCo-ops, cities, locally-owned companies, and tribal ISPs invest in rural South DakotaGreg DeanTranscript 369
358
5/28/2019
Firefly Fiber All the Buzz in Central VirginiaCentral Virginia Electric Co-op's new fiber project and how members are embracing better connectivityMelissa Gay and Gary WoodTranscript 358
344
2/19/2019
Pemiscot-Dunklin Electric Cooperative Steps Up, Offers FTTH in Missouri's BootheelPemiscot-Dunklin Electric Cooperative's FTTH project in rural Missouri and how the environment impacted network designJack DavisTranscript 344
342
2/5/2019
RiverStreet Networks Reaching Across Rural North CarolinaCo-op partners with other co-ops and communities to connect rural N.C.Greg ColtrainTranscript 342
324
9/25/2018
Great Lakes Energy's Big Plan for Big FiberLargest electric co-op in Michigan is deploying a FTTH networkShari CulverTranscript 324
321
9/4/2018
Analyzing the Auction With Jonathan ChambersResults of the Connect America Fund Phase II auction, including a strong showing by electric co-opsJonathan ChambersTranscript 321
314
7/17/2018
DMEA Co-op Serving Up Broadband and Innovation in ColoradoThe Delta Montrose Electric Association fiber deployment in ColoradoJohn Gavan and Brad HardingTranscript 314
288
1/9/2018
North Dakota's Exceptional Fiber NetworksNorth Dakota has low population density, but many fiber cooperativesRobin AndersonTranscript 288
277
11/1/2017
Kit Carson Fibers up New MexicoElectric Cooperative builds fiber network in rural New MexicoLuis ReyesTranscript 277
276
10/24/2017
Allband All-in For Rural Michigan Internet AccessFolks build a cooperative from scratch in rural MichiganRon SiegelTranscript 276
249
4/19/2017
Rural Electric Co-ops as Reluctant Warriors for BroadbandThe challenges and decisions that rural electric cooperatives faceAlyssa Clemsen-RobertsTranscript 249

243

3/7/2017

What's NEXT in North Arkansas?North Arkansas Electric Cooperative's pilot project for high-speed Internet serviceMel ColemanTranscript 243

240

2/14/2017

United Fiber Tackles Missouri's Most RuralThe demand for better, faster connections and the role of rural electric cooperativesDarren FarnanTranscript 240

229

11/22/2016

Rural Electrics Solve Rural Internet Access ProblemsFormer head of FCC's Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis on politics and rural connectivityJon ChambersTranscript 229

225

10/25/2016

Midwest Energy Cooperative Connects Rural MichiganA rural electric cooperative provides fiber connectivityBob Hance and Dave AllenTranscript 225

224

10/18/2016

H.R. Trostle on Co-Ops, Munis, Connectivity in North CarolinaILSR Research Associate discusses North Carolina and Internet accessH.R. TrostleTranscript 224

203

5/25/2016

Tennessee Potential Partnership Between Morristown Muni and AEC Co-opMorristown Tennessee, and the local electric co-op are teaming up to deliver needed servicesJody Wigington and Greg WilliamsTranscript 203

198

4/19/2016

A New Cooperative Model for Fiber to the FarmThe RS Fiber Cooperative steals the spotlight with its new cooperative modelMark Erickson and Jake RiekeTranscript 198

188

2/9/2016

North Carolina Co-op Fibers Up Rural Counties and MoreWhat does it take for a telephone co-op in North Carolina to provide FTTH? President and CEO of Wilkes Communications and RiverStreet Networks explainsEric CramerTranscript 188

140

3/3/2015

Rural Electric Co-Mo Co-op Goes GigDiscussion on how Co-Mo electric co-op in rural Missouri structured broadband network and its objective to enter the business and resultsRandy KlindtTranscript 140

99

5/20/2014

Catching Up with the RS Fiber Co-op in MinnesotaUpdate on the RS Fiber Co-op project in MinnesotaMark Erickson and Cindy GerholzTranscript 99

92

4/1/2014

Understanding the Georgia Communications CooperativeDiscussion on how cooperatives work together and expand the regional network in Georgia and challenges to connect rural premises with fiber opticsMike FoorTranscript 92

46

5/14/2013

North Georgia Network Brings Gig to Schools, Jobs to RegionThe origin of the North Georgia Network and its economic and social impact on the regionPaul BelkTranscript 46

Image Credits:

Rural Barn Flag, woodleywonderworks, Creative Commons license

Minnesota House Chamber, Chris Gaukel, Creative Commons license

Wooden Pole, dimitrisvetsikas1969, Public Domain

Pinetops Will Stay Connected In North Carolina

It’s been a long road for Pinetops, North Carolina, as they’ve sought better connectivity in their rural community. After dramatic ups and downs, the community seems to have finally found a tepid resolution. Greenlight can, for now, continue to serve Pinetops.

With Conditions

On June 28th, the General Assembly passed HB 396, which allows Wilson’s municipal network, Greenlight, to continue to provide gigabit connectivity to the town and to Vick Family Farms but establishes conditions. If or when another provider brings Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) service to Pinetops, Wilson has 30 days to end service as customers transition to the new provider. Until a different provider comes to Pinetops, Greenlight will continue to offer its gigabit connectivity to the approximately 600 households and premises in the community of about 1,300 people.

In addition to premises in the town of Pinetops, Greenlight is serving Vick Family Farm, a local potato manufacturer. When the business obtained access to high-quality Internet access, they were able to expand their business internationally; they invested in a high tech distribution facility. The facility requires the kind of capacity they can only get from Greenlight.

Community leaders in Pinetops are relieved they don’t have to give up fiber connectivity, but they’re happy with the service they get with Greenlight and would rather stick with the muni.

“Although not the solution we expected, we are pleased this bill allows us to continue to leverage Greenlight’s next generation infrastructure as we focus on growing our community,” said [Town Commissioner Suzanne] Coker-Craig. “Hopefully, no other provider will exercise the option to build redundant infrastructure that our community neither wants nor needs. Pinetops has made it clear that we want the quality and speed of service that only Greenlight can provide.”

Read the text of the bill here.

RFP For Assessment And Feasibility Study In Alexander County, North Carolina

Alexander County, North Carolina, recently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a firm to conduct a broadband assessment and feasibility study. Applications are due July 24th.

Rural Connectivity

In addition to examining what type of service and where service is currently available, the county wants a firm that will help create a strategy to improve what they already know is poor connectivity throughout the county. Funding sources should be identified along with helpful public policy suggestions.

According to the RFP, approximately 50 percent of 1,954 respondents in a recent indicated that their Internet service did not have sufficient speed. Sixty-five percent don’t have access to broadband as defined by the FCC (25 Megabits per second download and 3 Mbps upload), and about 12 percent use their mobile devices to access the Internet. Sixteen percent noted that affordability is a problem. Approximately 84 percent of respondents indicated that they’d like to have more options for Internet access.

Alexander County

Alexander County is mostly rural and home to about 38,000 people. Manufacturing is an important part of the economy but farmland makes up much of its 264 square miles. Taylorsville is the county seat and the only town, with a few other unincorporated communities in the county. Bethlehem, a census designated place is located in the southwest corner of the county and is also somewhat densely populated, relative to the rest of the county.

The community is on the west side of the state, about an hour north of Charlotte. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) classifies the community's economic status as "transitional" and the North Carolina Department of Commerce considers it an average economically distressed county. A little more than half of school kids qualify for free and reduced lunches. Unemployment is at 3.2 percent as of April 2017. County leaders hope that improving connectivity within the region will also help diversify the economy and improve the employment situation for residents.

Existing Fiber

Live In North Carolina? Describe Your Internet Access And Help Build Better Mapping

North Carolinians, do you feel like your state is 90 - 93 percent covered with Internet access that provides 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload speeds? If you live in one of the state's many rural areas, probably not. The state is now providing an opportunity for North Carolinians to verify and comment on FCC mapping data with a new state broadband mapping tool.

Cleaning Up The Data 

The state’s Department of Information Technology released the tool in May and encourages residents and businesses to test out the accuracy of their premise data. The map uses FCC acquired from ISPs that report coverage and speeds on Form 477. The data, based on census blocks, typically overstates coverage, creating maps that are unreliable and inaccurate. North Carolina officials aim to correct that.

“We want to get better data so we can go back to the FCC and tell them your data says your census block is served, but less than 25 per cent of the people are actually getting service,” says Jeff Sural, director of the North Carolina broadband infrastructure office.

With better data, state officials hope to increase FCC funding opportunities and determine what areas are in the most dire straits regarding lack of Internet access. The tool asks users to review the data that was submitted by ISPs for their address, conduct a speed test, and confirm whether or not they have access to the connectivity that the ISPs claim they do, and if not, provide more accurate information.

Once a threshold of users have completed the test to allow the results to be displayed on the map, the North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office will begin sharing the results on the map.

It's A Start

The effort will help obtain a more accurate picture of what’s really going on in the Internet access trenches if residents and businesses participate, but the state needs to go further to ease its connectivity problems. In a recent State Scoop article, Christopher once again pointed out the failings caused by state restrictions that discourage investment: