Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Hargray Expanding Georgia Fiber Footprint

Hargray is expanding its fiber footprint in Georgia. The company is beginning last- mile fiber construction in Conyers, Ga., which will provide businesses access to communications services over Hargray's 100% fiber-optic network.

This is Hargray's third expansion this year, following its announcement to expand into Covington, Ga., as well as its recent acquisition of Dark Fiber Systems. Chris McCorkendale, Hargray Fiber's senior vice president, said, "Hargray's local focus, including its dedicated local team, fits well with the community-focused mindset of the business and city leaders that have supported our expansion into Conyers, GA.

Without their support, our significant investment in the community would not be possible. We look forward to becoming a major contributor to the Conyers community and sharing the benefits of future growth in the area." Hargray was founded 70 years ago in Beaufort County, S.C. Read more. Source: Broadband Technology Report | May 29, 2019

TDS Launches Faster Speeds, New Channels And Products In Mead, Colorado

TDS customers’ home Internet and TV experience has changed for the better in Mead, Colorado. TDS is now offering residential Internet packages from 100 to 600Mbps, all-digital TV service, new TV channels, and TV Everywhere, which allows customers to watch TV via their computer, tablet, or phone - anywhere they have access to the Internet.

“TDS has recently made substantial investments in our Mead network and customers will now see significant changes in Internet speeds and TV offerings,” says Julie Maiers, vice president of Marketing and Product Development at TDS. “The way consumers watch TV is changing and TDS is adding new products and services to keep up with these new viewing habits.”

TDS Telecom announced in October 2017 that it purchased the cable and broadband assets and business of K2 Communications, LLC. Over the last 18 months, TDS invested millions in upgrading the network, and migrated customers from a low-level analog video signal to a higher-quality all-digital system. Read more. Source: Press Release | June 12, 2019

Armstrong, Harford County (Md.) Partner To Obtain USDA Grants To Expand Cable, Internet Service In Northern Harford

Harford County, Md., government and Armstrong Utilities, a local cable and Internet services provider, are collaborating on an effort to secure USDA grants to extend service to households in northern Harford County, where many residents do not have reliable Internet service.

The initiative coincides with the Harford County Council’s recent approval of Bill 19-017 to renew Armstrong’s cable franchise agreement, granting the Butler, Pennsylvania-based company the ability to “construct, operate and maintain a cable television system” in Harford County over the next 15 years, according to the bill. The council approved the bill unanimously during its June 11 legislative session.

The county government is currently working with a consultant, CTC, to assist Armstrong as it applies to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for grant funds through agency programs to serve “under-served rural areas,” according to county government spokesperson Cindy Mumby. “The consultant is in the process of helping Armstrong decide how much of the grant funding would be applied for, how much the cost of service would be,” Mumby said, noting there could be opportunities to find grants from other sources. Read more.

Source: Baltimore Sun | June 24, 2019 Ritter Communications Beehive Broadband

Helping To Close The Digital Divide, Hotwire To Offer New Income-Based Internet Service In N.C. Community

Salisbury, N.C. -- Hotwire Communications has begun offering income-based fast-speed Internet bundles to Salisbury residents and will open a downtown store. These moves come as Hotwire is “reaching out to those who are still on the fence,” said Michael Grandizio, Hotwire’s general manager.

About April, the company began offering new bundles to low-income residents looking for a fast, reliable Internet connection, said Katelin Rice, Hotwire’s community development manager. The income-based offer will start at $14.99 for 50Mbps speed for city residents, Rice said.

“Everything is technology-based now,” she said. “Without good Internet, kids can’t do their homework; they can’t research for projects.” The Internet is used for much more than just streaming and gaming, Rice said. “For us, it is so important that everyone has access,” she said.

Rice said the $14.99 rate will not be offered to all customers. “Subscribers must qualify for these rates,” Grandizio said.Rice said anyone interested should speak with a sales specialist for specifics. Still, the goal is to help bridge the “digital divide,” she said. Read more. Source: Salisbury Post | June 30, 2019

Margaretville Telephone Company And MTC Cable Announce The Completion Of Six Broadband Expansion Projects As Part Of The New NY Broadband Program

Margaretville, N.Y. -- The Margaretville Telephone Company, along with its cable television subsidiary MTC Cable, (collectively, MTC) is proud to announce the completion of six New NY Broadband Program projects designed to extend high-speed broadband Internet access to more than 8,600 homes and businesses in unserved and underserved rural areas in the Central Catskill Mountain Region.

Over 700 miles of new fiber optic cable construction and network upgrades to existing broadband facilities have been completed across 18 rural communities throughout portions of Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties as part of Phase I and Phase II grant awards from the New NY Broadband Program. Network construction continues on an additional 165 miles of fiber-optic cable on the MTC Central Catskills Broadband Initiative Project, a New NY Broadband Program Phase III awarded project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2019.

“We congratulate the Margaretville Telephone Company and MTC Cable on their expansion of high-speed Internet service in partnership with the Broadband Program Office,” said Jeffrey Nordhaus, Empire State Development Executive Vice President of Innovation and Broadband. “Broadband is a necessity for all communities in today’s economy and this launch will bring high-speed Internet to over 8,600 homes and businesses across the State.” Read more. Source: Press Release | June 24 , 2019

​ ​ ​