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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

November 22, 2024 In Press Release

CTC Awarded Minnesota Broadband Grant in Carlton County

On October 9, 2024, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced its recent Grant Round 10 funding awards. CTC was one of the 26 providers to receive a combined $51.9 million in funding support.

Of the almost $52 million, CTC received $2,127,530 in funding support for the “Wrenshall Community Broadband Project”. This funding will be combined with an equal amount in matching funds. The total project cost is approximately $4.3 million, and fiber-to-the-premises will be provided in 770 locations, of which 481 are unserved and 289 are underserved.

“With the support of the MN Border to Border Broadband Grant, CTC is proud to help bridge the digital divide in rural Carlton County, bringing high-speed fiber optic internet to communities that have long been underserved. This investment is more than just technology; it’s an investment in opportunity, education, and the future of our rural neighbors,” said CTC CEO/GM Kristi Westbrock.

Once complete, the project will allow rural residents and businesses to gain access to fast, reliable broadband service. This will open doors for remote work, online education, and telehealth services and boost the community’s overall vitality.

For more information regarding the grant and recipients, please visit mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/grant-program/.

For more information, contact:

Joe Buttweiler, Chief Strategy Officer
218-454-1275 | joe@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