USDA Announces Funding to Improve Rural Broadband Service in Nebraska and Montana

The Department of Agriculture announced funding for two rural telecommunications companies that will expand broadband service in rural Nebraska and Montana. More than $26 million will be provided from USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to install fiber networks to improve telecommunications services in these areas.

InterBel Telephone Cooperative, Inc., in Montana, will receive a $20.8 million loan to complete a Fiber-to-the-Premises network to help meet future growth requirements. In Nebraska, Hartington Telecommunications Co., Inc., will use a $5.2 million loan to replace copper with Fiber-to-the-Home technology. USDA funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement.