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Branstad, Reynolds announce broadband expansion to nearly 90,000 homes across Iowa

News

August 31st, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today (Monday) were joined at the administration’s weekly press conference by leaders from CenturyLink, Windstream, Frontier and Consolidated Communications to announce that the companies will expand broadband internet services across Iowa to nearly 90,000 homes. The broadband internet expansion, a priority of the Branstad-Reynolds administration, was made possible by $53.2 million in grants from the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Connect America Fund (CAF).

The Governor said “In Iowa, technology and access to broadband Internet is the great equalizer for our rural communities. We have put a focus on broadband Internet expansion because if our small businesses are to compete in a global economy, our schools are to have access to an abundance of online learning resources and our farmers are to connect their modern equipment for precision farming, we must connect every acre with broadband infrastructure.”

Reynolds said “To date, nineteen communities across our state have become certified Connected Communities. These cities and towns have demonstrated a commitment to continued economic growth by embracing the opportunity presented by 21st century technology.”

The FCC created the CAF in 2011 to foster growth in broadband access by transitioning funding that was supporting rural landline service to broadband service. The companies are planning the following buildout of broadband Internet in Iowa:

· CenturyLink will be receiving $17,893,887 to build out broadband to 34,827 locations.

· Windstream will be receiving $28,672,554 to build out broadband to 44,930 locations.

· Frontier will be receiving $4,240,587 to build out broadband to 5,438 locations.

· Consolidated Communications will be receiving $2,393,216 to build out broadband to 3,019 locations.