Annual Report
2025
Connecting Communities, Celebrating
Kristi’s Corner:
At CTC, our purpose has always been simple: connect people to reliable, high-speed internet, empower communities, and make a difference where we live and work. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of seeing that purpose come alive in countless ways, through the dedication of our team, the growth of our services, and most importantly, through the enthusiasm and support of our amazing members.
We like to refer to our members as ‘Super Fans’ – the people who engage with us, share their experiences, and champion the work we do in their communities. Their passion reminds us every day why we do what we do. From hosting community events and supporting local schools to expanding high-speed internet to areas that need it the most, their energy and feedback drive our efforts forward.
One of my favorite ways we connect with communities is through our Taste of Technology events each summer. These gatherings bring members together to explore CTC services, learn about internet safety, enjoy a picnic-style meal, and have a relaxed, fun evening with prizes. It’s always rewarding to see members leave with a clearer understanding of how connectivity impacts daily life. Our Super Fans make these events especially meaningful – they show up, ask questions, and share ideas that help shape what comes next.
This year, we’ve also celebrated milestones that would not have been possible without the support of our communities. We’ve expanded services, launched new programs, and strengthened initiatives, like CTC Cares (more to come on that later in the report). Every connection we get to make, whether it’s helping a family get online for the first time, supporting youth scholarships, or simply answering a member’s question, reinforces the impact we can have when we put people first.
As we look ahead, our focus remains the same: delivering exceptional service, investing in our communities, and continuing to earn and build trust and loyalty of our Super Fans. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re not just connecting communities – we’re building them.
A Message from the Board Chair
Looking back on 2025, it has been a year of growth, progress, and meaningful accomplishments for CTC. We’ve expanded our network, enhanced our services, and continued providing reliable, high-quality connectivity that our communities rely on every day.
This year has also been about advocating for rural broadband, ensuring that communities of all sizes have access to the opportunities that come with reliable internet. CTC has actively engaged with local and national leaders and policymakers to highlight the importance of broadband for education, business, and community development. Expanding access is not just about technology; it’s about helping communities thrive and remain connected in an increasingly digital world.
2025 has also seen measurable progress in our network improvements and service offerings. By investing in infrastructure and new technology, CTC has strengthened its ability to meet the needs of residential and business members across our service areas.
The Board is proud to support a company with a clear vision for the future and a strong commitment to the communities it serves. As we look ahead, we remain focused on expanding access, delivering value, and supporting the growth of the communities that rely on CTC every day.
Board of Directors And Their District
Member Count by Current Districts
District One: 3,370
District Two: 3,658
District Three: 4,683
District Four: 2,947
District Five: 5,381
Living in rural America, we know the power of showing up for one another. As Board Chair for CTC, I’m proud to help lead an organization that invests in the future of the communities we serve.
Amanda Lowe,
Chairperson District Three
Amanda Lowe
Chairperson
District Three
Kirk Smith
Vice Chairperson
District Three
Kathleen Kobliska
Treasurer
District One
Heather Hoskins
Secretary
District Two
Leeland Segler
Director
District Two
Mike Wetzel
Director
District Four
Chad Converse
Director
District Four
Tyler Glynn
Director
District Five
Nate Thiesse
Director
District Five
Data & Internet Usage
Internet use continued to grow rapidly in 2025, with more than 5.5 billion people worldwide relying on connectivity in their daily lives. From work and education to healthcare and business, being connected has become essential.
At the same time, artificial intelligence, smart devices, and increasing bandwidth demands are reshaping how homes and businesses use the internet, making reliable high-speed service more important than ever.
As digital needs grow, so does our commitment to delivering fast, dependable fiber internet across the communities we serve.
In 2025, we introduced multi-gigabit technology to meet growing demands – from remote work and streaming to daily operations and emerging technologies.
These upgrades go beyond individual users – they strengthen entire communities by helping local employers, schools, and healthcare providers operate more effectively.
Through ongoing investment and thoughtful expansion, we’re building a more connected region equipped to meet the evolving needs of homes, workplaces, and the communities we serve.
22,294
Members
1,608
Fiber connections installed in new project areas
125
New square miles in CTC’s service area
Pen Rate Growth
+6% in 2025
328
Total Member Referrals
Internet Subscribers by Year
Streaming Services with the Most Subscribers Globally
| Streaming Platform | Users (millions) |
|---|---|
| Netflix | 301.6 |
| JioHotstar | 300 |
| Amazon Prime | 200 |
| HBO Max | 128 |
| Disney+ | 127.8 |
| Tencent Video | 114 |
| iQiyi | 101.1 |
| Paramount | 77 |
| Hulu | 55 |
| Peacock | 41 |
*Source: Digital Trends
1,535
Total square miles in CTC’s service area
Thousands of fiber miles deployed
159
Gbps
Peak Annual Network Usage
Grants
CTC was awarded more than $2.1 million through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Grant Round 10 to support the Wrenshall Community Broadband Project. With matching funds, the total project investment of approximately $4.3 million will bring fiber-to-the-premises connectivity to 770 locations, the majority of which are currently unserved or underserved.
CTC also continued its participation in the Minnesota Line Extension Program, with construction for Round 3 awards taking place in 2025. Through the first three rounds of the program, CTC has been one of the top participants in the state, helping extend broadband access to more than 1,000 additional locations that previously lacked service.
These projects play a vital role in expanding access and helping ensure more homes and businesses have the connectivity they need to thrive.
Wrenshall Community Broadband Project
Minnesota Line Extension Program Round 3
Advocacy
In 2025, CTC leadership continued advocating for rural broadband at the national level. CEO Kristi Westbrock and Member Services & Government Affairs Manager Max Walter traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with policymakers and share the importance of reliable, affordable internet for the communities we serve.
These conversations help ensure that the realities of rural broadband—its challenges and opportunities—are understood at the federal level.
A key focus has been the Universal Service Fund (USF), which plays a critical role in expanding broadband access in underserved areas. Through direct engagement with decision-makers, our team helps keep rural connectivity a priority and ensures our members’ needs are represented in policy discussions.
Kristi also presented before the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, highlighting the role broadband plays in supporting small businesses and local economies, as well as the challenges rural providers face in expanding service.
Advocacy remains a key part of our work as we help shape policies that support long-term investment in rural broadband and strengthen the communities we serve.
News & Company Culture
Top 200
For the third consecutive year, CTC has been recognized as one of the Star Tribune’s Top 200 Workplaces in Minnesota, an honor based entirely on employee feedback. Out of more than 5,000 invited organizations, this honor reflects the strength of our team and the values we uphold together.
At CTC, our workplace is built on a shared sense of purpose, commitment, and connection. This recognition reflects the people behind CTC and the culture they continue to strengthen every day.
Taste of Technology
Last summer, CTC hosted Taste of Technology events in Fort Ripley, Crosby, and Rice Lake–bringing members together for evenings of learning, connection, and fun. These events showcase the technology that keeps our communities connected and help make it more approachable for everyone.
Guests enjoyed picnic-style meals, received swag items, and learned tips to get the most from their services. They also had the chance to connect with our team, ask questions, and win prizes throughout the evening.
Events like these reflect what CTC is all about: connecting people, sharing knowledge, and supporting the communities we serve. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and loo forward to bringing Taste of Technology back again this summer!
NPS
CTC gathered feedback from our members via email surveys to calculate our Net Promoter Score (NPS) – an industry-standard metric for evaluating customer satisfaction and loyalty. With a possible range from -100 to 100, we were proud to receive a score of 71, which is considered excellent and indicates a high level of customer loyalty and satisfaction!
This result speaks of the strong relationships we’ve built with our members and the consistent service our team delivers every day. This feedback helps us continue refining our services and delivering an experience our members can rely on.
Bridge Buddy Program
In 2025, CTC introduced the Bridge Buddy Program to support new hires as they begin their journey at CTC. Designed to foster a welcoming, connected experience, the program pairs new employees with a peer mentor during their first 90 days.
Bridge Buddies serve as a friendly, approachable resource, helping new team members navigate day-to-day questions, understand company culture, and feel more confident in their new role. This program is one more way we’re building a supportive, connected workplace from the very start.
Adopt-A-Highway Roadside Cleanup
In 2025, CTC took on the responsibility of maintaining a new stretch of roadway along Highway 210 W. Twice a year, our team comes together to clean up a 1.5-mile section, removing trash and debris to help keep the area clean and welcoming.
It’s a simple but meaningful way we take pride in and care for the communities we call home.
New Products
2025 was a milestone year for CTC, marked by the successful launch of several new products. Four major offerings that came to fruition include:
SmartBiz:
CTC SmartBiz is a managed WiFi solution designed to support the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Built on our reliable network, it provides secure, seamless connectivity along with tools that help businesses stay protected and operate efficiently.
With features like dedicated networks and simplified management, SmartBiz lets business owners focus on running their business while we handle the technology behind the scenes.
Multi-Gig Services:
In 2025, CTC expanded its network capabilities with the introduction of multi-gig services, providing even faster speeds to meet the growing demands of our members. As more homes and businesses rely on high-bandwidth applications, these enhanced speeds help support everything from remote work and streaming to advanced technologies and connected devices.
This investment ensures our network is ready to support the growing demands of connected homes and businesses.
StreamTV:
StreamTV is a modern television platform that combines the familiarity of traditional TV with the flexibility of streaming. It gives members the experience they’re used to, with the added convenience of app-based viewing.
Designed with simplicity in mind, StreamTV offers an easy, flexible solution for households – without the need for complicated equipment. It’s another way we’re adapting our services to fit how people watch, connect, and engage with technology today.
GOmobile:
GOmobile marked the launch of our first mobile phone plans, designed to keep members connected wherever life takes them. With simple plan options, transparent pricing, and support backed by our cooperative, GOmobile offers a reliable and straightforward wireless experience.
Members can bring their own device or choose to purchase or finance a new phone, making it easy to find a solution that fits their needs.
Super Fans
As shared in Kristi’s Corner, our members are our Super Fans – and that theme has been central to our outreach throughout 2025.
We’ve created many ways to celebrate them. At Taste of Technology events and local parades, we hand out “I Love My CTC” and “CTC Super Fan” shirts. Each month, we feature a Super Fan on Facebook, highlighting a member’s story and why they love CTC services.
We also recognize positive experiences with gift baskets and swag for members who share feedback. Our yard sign campaign – “I Love My CTC Internet!” – was a popular highlight at Taste of Technology events, with signs proudly displayed across our service areas.
To strengthen our local presence, we launched the “CTC Loves [Community Name]” campaign, featuring community-specific mailers and employees from those areas to highlight that we are truly your neighbors.
From events to online features and small surprises, everything we do is about celebrating our members. Our Super Fans are at the heart of that mission
CTC made a house call when we had a router issue… it was resolved quick and staff gave us some history of the area we live in now… that personal touch, made us feel welcome.
JoAnne
“I love CTC’s customer service. They’re real people!”
Glen
Loyal CTC Member
“CTC is wonderful! The staff are responsive, helpful and very quick at problem solving…”
Diane
Loyal CTC Member
“I’m so happy to finally have WiFi in our rural home. The team at CTC has been very courteous and efficient.”
Margaret
Loyal CTC Member
“Quality of employees is great. Very professional and easy to speak to. This internet is great for our city.”
Gary
Loyal CTC Member
In 2025, CTC Cares proudly announced its first round of grant recipients, awarding funding to St. Mathias Parks and Recreation and ReGen/Hello Range.
CTC Cares is committed to enhancing community well-being by supporting initiatives that drive innovation, promote physical, mental, and social health, and empower youth through technology scholarships. The program’s mission is to foster impactful, sustainable projects that create a brighter, more connected future for the communities it serves.
With the support of a CTC Cares grant, St. Mathias Parks and Recreation invested in a new scoreboard for their softball park, enhancing the experience for players and the community alike.
ReGen/Hello Range used their funding to support their mission of welcoming new residents to the Iron Range and helping them feel at home. Their work plays a vital role in building connections and fostering a strong sense of belonging for those who choose to live and work in the area.
We look forward to continuing to grow the program and expand its impact in the communities we serve
In 2025, MC Fiber, our utility service company in partnership with Meeker Energy, successfully completed its first full construction season. With a focus on underground fiber installation, their team brings strong capabilities in plowing, cable pulling and blowing, and directional boring for both mainline and drop projects.
Over the past year, it’s been rewarding to work alongside a team that not only understands the work but also shares the same commitment to expanding access to reliable connectivity across the communities we serve.
This partnership reflects our ongoing focus on investing in local infrastructure and creating long-term solutions that keep people connected. We’re proud of the work we accomplished so far and are excited to keep building on that momentum in the years ahead
Mission
To empower our members, employees, and communities through exceptional service and life-changing technology solutions for a sustainable future.
Vision
Through technology leadership, smart growth, and community engagement, our cooperative will demonstrate extraordinary focus to positively transform those we serve.
Values
Member Experience
Accountability
Competition
Innovation
Performance