Dickey Rural Adopts New Customers
to Higher Speeds with Laptop Program

Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative, North Dakota

Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative (Ellendale, N.D.) has it together. Two years ago, the company realized that many of its customers lacked access to a high-speed connection because they either didn't have a computer or their computer was too old to handle the higher speeds. Recognizing an opportunity, Dickey began offering customers free and reduced-price computers when they signed a two-year broadband contract. Over three years, Dickey has sold more than 650 laptops and has increased broadband adoption substantially within its community.

To ease users into feeling comfortable with their new computers and faster connection, Dickey offers them computer classes as soon as they sign a broadband contract. These classes range from basic computer use to more advanced subjects like how to use Facebook and Ebay, with at least two classes offered monthly.

An additional perk of Dickey's laptop program is that when installing a new broadband connection at a customer's home, the technician makes sure the laptop is plug-and-play. This means technicians ensure email and antivirus security is all set up and ready to go-and just in case, an on-call technical support group is also available. Last year, the cooperative decided to try something new. Instead of laptops, it offered gaming consoles (like Xbox, for example) in an entertainment package. This novel initiative helped familiarize customers with the possibilities offered by a faster broadband connection. Thus far, Dickey has sold 330 of these entertainment packs and has found that its high-speed Internet customers are constantly growing.

By providing a high level of support through classes and customer service, Dickey has made a substantial impact on the adoption of broadband within its community.