NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, which represents nearly 850 independent, family-owned and community-based telecommunications companies across the United States, named FTC a Smart Connected Community provider in 2022.
To receive the designation, FTC was required to show that it offered 100 megabits per second broadband to at least 50% of its service area; that it had broadband subscription rates of at least 50% and was committed to program principles of collaboration and innovation.
NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield commended FTC for the achievement.
“We are so excited to welcome another Smart Rural Community provider into this growing network of innovative broadband providers delivering the Internet’s fastest speeds in some of the most remote and rural communities of our country,” she said. “I applaud FTC for its commitment to enabling cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their region and nationwide.”
The award came while FTC was in the midst of a major fiber construction project across its five counties. Those efforts have continued as the cooperative strives to reach 100% of its membership with a fiber connection and equip the 3,000 miles in its territory for generations to come.
As part of the SRC application process, FTC was also recognized as a Gig-Certified provider, which is awarded to those companies that can deliver Gigabit service to either 95% of a census block or 95% of a telephone exchange.
“The investment in fiber optic cable is the gold standard for IP (internet protocol) connectivity, allowing our customers unmatched internet speeds that will carry our broadband network far into the future,” FTC Chief Executive Officer Jay Brown said. “In 2019, we began the expansion of our fiber network with the goal of providing a fiber connection to all homes and businesses in the cooperative area.”
About FTC
Founded in 1951, Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. is a local, multifaceted telecommunications company headquartered in Kingstree, S.C. Serving a coverage area of 3,000 square miles, FTC provides cutting-edge technology to businesses and residents of Clarendon, lower Florence, Lee, Sumter and Williamsburg counties.
A veteran of the telephone industry, FTC has evolved into a state-of-the-art organization, offering internet, wireless, phone, security and TV. Customers can choose from a wide array of products and services.
About NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association
NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business.
