(Press Release) — Marne Elk Horn is now a recognized member of the Smart Rural Communities SM program, which is offered by NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association.  “Across the United States, rural, community-based broadband providers are serving small  towns with robust broadband networks to support critical and innovative solutions for rural communities and Marne Elk Horn is one of them,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “Marne Elk Horn is helping to build a nationwide network of Smart Rural Communities, where broadband connections are helping create a brighter future.”

“We have been a Gig Certified Community through NTCA since we completed our fiber project in Elk Horn, Kimballton, Marne, Brayton, and Walnut,” said Janell Hansen, CEO of Marne Elk Horn. “To us, that was step one, which was connected to our technological capabilities. The Smart Rural Community approach is about how the technology benefits the people, businesses, community and region. We have always been about serving our customers with the best products for a fair price. The Smart Rural Community initiative is an extension of that while connecting us to other companies and communities like us nationwide.”

According to Bloomfield, the Smart Rural Communities program promotes collaborative work among rural broadband providers and other local leaders to develop broadband-enabled solutions for education, economic development, healthcare and more. The Smart Rural Communities initiative celebrates the technological leadership of nearly 850 small, community
based rural broadband providers in NTCA’s membership. “I am so proud of Marne Elk Horn for rising to meet the challenge of providing exceptional service in rural America, where our member companies face low population density, geographic obstacles, regulatory hurdles and limited budgets,” stated Bloomfield.

“NTCA’s Smart Rural Community Providers are leading by example and charting a course toward an even more vibrant, productive and community-oriented rural America.” Hansen said more info can be found at www.metc.net/smart.