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

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.