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December 19, 2024 In CTC News, Press Release

CTC Awarded RUS ReConnect 5 Grant to Expand Broadband Access in Rural Communities

Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC), a dedicated leader in advancing rural fiber optic internet service, proudly announces its selection as a recipient of the highly competitive RUS ReConnect 5 Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This funding enables CTC to bring high-speed broadband access to underserved rural areas, empowering communities to grow, learn, and innovate.

The USDA’s RUS ReConnect Program addresses the digital divide in rural America by investing in broadband infrastructure. With $5 million in grant funding, CTC will expand its services to rural Brainerd Lakes Area and central Minnesota, reaching approximately 592 establishments.

“Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said CTC’s CEO Kristi Westbrock. “This funding allows us to deliver transformative connectivity to rural Minnesota communities, opening doors for economic development, education, and healthcare while enhancing residents’ overall quality of life.”

The project involves constructing a complete fiber-to-the-home network, providing speeds of over 1 gigabyte per second (1,000 Mbps). Engineering will begin in 2025, with most construction in 2026 and continuing into 2027.

This investment supports USDA’s mission to ensure equitable access to essential services in rural areas, helping all Americans thrive in a connected world. With this grant, CTC joins an elite group of organizations that are making a meaningful impact on rural communities.

Click here to view a recording of the presentation.

For more information:

Andy Isackson, Chief Marketing Officer
218-454-1234 | andy@goctc.com

 

CTC is a technology advisor and full-service telecommunications company based in Brainerd, MN. Since 1952, CTC has grown into a complete communications provider offering telephone, high-speed internet, digital television, and IT services to businesses and individuals throughout central and northern Minnesota. More information about CTC can be found at www.goctc.com

December 10, 2024 In CTC News, Press Release

CTC Announces Foundation for Rural Service Grant to Support the Relationship Safety Alliance (RSA)

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, announced the recipients of 36 Community Grants totaling nearly $170,000, the largest number of grants and greatest total annual allocation in its history—to close out the foundation’s 30th anniversary year. These grants will support a wide variety of projects aimed at improving quality of life across rural communities served by NTCA members.

CTC is pleased to announce the Relationship Safety Alliance as one of these grant recipients. The Relationship Safety Alliance received $5,000 to purchase and install Owl Labs video conference cameras at the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center and Louise Seliski Shelter to enhance virtual communication and presentation capabilities, benefiting victims/survivors of domestic violence and child abuse, as well as staff and board members.

“The FRS grants are an incredible opportunity to support communities, and it’s exciting to see the Relationship Safety Alliance receive this award. This grant will surely help them continue making a difference,” said Andy Isackson, CTC Chief Marketing Officer and FRS Board Member.

For a complete list of awardees, visit frs.org/programs/grant-program/community-grant.

For more information, contact:

Andy Isackson, Chief Marketing Officer
218-454-1234 | andy@goctc.com

CTC is a technology advisor and full-service telecommunications company based in Brainerd, MN. Formed in 1952, CTC has grown into a complete communications provider offering telephone, high-speed internet, digital television, and IT services to businesses and individuals throughout central and northern Minnesota. More information about CTC can be found at www.goctc.com

October 1, 2024 In CTC News, Press Release, Product

CTC Announces the Launch of SmartBiz

CTC is excited to introduce SmartBiz, a tailored solution designed specifically for small businesses. Beyond just connectivity, SmartBiz delivers a comprehensive managed WiFi experience, enabling business owners to boost productivity by easily managing staff, business systems like point-of-sale, securing their network, offering guest WiFi, and controlling everything through a user-friendly app.

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September 11, 2024 In CTC News, Press Release

CTC Partners with CWA to Implement Communications Workers of America Broadband JATC-Upper Midwest Apprenticeship Program

CTC recently partnered with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) to create the first broadband-centered apprenticeship for the states of Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

Communications Workers of America Broadband JATC-Upper Midwest has been officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) as a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) sponsor and approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Division of Apprenticeship. CWA and CTC look forward to welcoming other ISPs in the region into the program.READ MORE

August 16, 2024 In CTC News, Culture, MC Fiber, Partnerships

Gilbert Promoted to Director of Outside Plant/MC Fiber

Steve Gilbert was recently promoted to Director of Outside Plant at Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC). Gilbert has been employed at CTC since May 2006 and has previously held the positions of Engineering Manager and Network Design Engineer.

Holding a technical degree in Electronics Engineering, Gilbert has been in the telecommunications industry since 1995, spanning a variety of jobs from construction to customer installations, to engineering.READ MORE

March 5, 2024 In CTC News

CTC Receives DEED Award to Expand Broadband Internet

Brainerd, MN – On Tuesday, March 5 the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that they have awarded over $53 million in grants through their Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant program. The 24 projects that were awarded throughout the state will be matched by nearly $51 million in local funds, for a total investment of over $104 million.

The funding, which was approved during the 2023 legislative sessions, will be used by broadband providers to build out infrastructure and provide services to unserved and underserved locations. This round of funding will provide internet access to over 8,900 businesses, homes, and community institutions across the state.READ MORE

January 30, 2024 In CTC News

Russell Joins CTC as Corporate IT Manager

BAXTER, MN – Matt Russell recently joined Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) as the Corporate IT Manager, working closely with CTC’s employees and fronting cyber security initiatives. Russell started in December 2023 after spending almost four years as a Corporate Director of Information Technology for Cote Family Companies, and 15 years overall in the industry, within the Brainerd Lakes Area. Russell holds a degree in Network Administration from CLC in Brainerd.

“I was excited to start with CTC because, as both a customer and resident of the local community, it has always shown itself to be a company that truly cares about their community and their quality of work,” said Russell. “The best thing about my time here thus far is knowing passionate, hardworking people surround me who enjoy what they do.”

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January 29, 2024 In CTC News

Fiber Gaming Network Launched at CTC

BAXTER, MN – CTC has officially launched the capability for internet subscribers to enjoy free online gaming tournaments, after recently partnering with Fiber Gaming Network.

Subscribers can access free eSports tournaments and connect with other gamers on the Discord platform. Subscribers can also play popular games such as Fortnite, Rocket League, The Show23, Halo Infinite, Super Smash Bros, Minecraft, and more.

As an added bonus, moderators are present during live-stream gaming to prevent any potential cyberbullying, inappropriate behavior, or spammers and to ensure the players adhere to the game’s rules.

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