For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Phoenix, Ariz. (March 9, 2015)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, the premier national association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies, today announced that three association member companies will receive $5,000 matching grants for the development of broadband-enabled solutions for their communities.
The Smart Rural Community (SRC) initiative highlights efforts that make rural areas vibrant places in which to live and do business. The Collaboration Challenge confers awards to promote collaborative efforts in economic development, education, energy, health care and public safety.
The inaugural winners of the SRC Collaboration Challenge are:
- Copper Valley Telecom (Valdez, Alaska), which is partnering with the Copper River School District to provide DSL scholarships that enable increased participation in the district’s online learning program.
- Gardonville Cooperative Telephone Association (Brandon, Minn.), which is partnering with Knute Nelson Home Care and Hospice to install wireless Mi-Fi systems that enable vital-sign monitoring and social connectivity for underserved patients.
- Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (Waitsfield, Vt.), which is partnering with local business leaders to provide a downtown Wi-Fi network to more than 100 local businesses.
NTCA’s SRC Collaboration Challenge recipients were recognized at a gathering of more than 2,000 rural telecom leaders in Phoenix. The Collaboration Challenge grants were made possible by SRC sponsors MAPCOM, the National Information Solutions Cooperative and National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative.
For more information about the initiative, visit www.ntca.org/smart.
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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.