More Success Stories

BROADBAND LOAN PROGRAM

Polar Communications

Polar Communications, through the Broadband pilot program has completed hybrid fiber coax facilities to bring voice, internet, video, and DSL to customers in the rural North Dakota towns of Mayville and Portland. Polar Communications has been able to bring service to approximately 805 business and residential customers. Initially, the service was only meant to cover the town of Mayville, but the project was so successful that Polar Communications decided to expand service to Portland. The residents and businesses of rural North Dakota have benefited greatly. An example of the benefits of broadband is Laurel and Scott Close, who own and operate Sparks Electric. They are now able to easily transact Sparks Electric's business online. As a small business, they value the freedom and control offered by broadband. Currently, Polar Communications is still experiencing ongoing growth and should continue to bring new opportunities to local businesses and communities in rural North Dakota.

Midstate Communications, Inc.

Since the approval of a USDA Rural Development Broadband Loan to Midstate Communications Inc. in February 2004, the rural community of Oacoma, South Dakota has increased economic and community opportunities. Midstate Communications Inc. upgraded the existing internet connection in the community from dial-up to broadband allowing this centrally located community to compete on an even playing field with larger, more urban areas. Oacoma's location along I-90 and the Missouri River has made it a convenient destination for industry and since offering broadband services in Oacoma, Midstate has opened up new economic development avenues for existing businesses. Broadband has also afforded the community the opportunity to attract high-tech industry which they could not do prior. Midstate services 147 access lines throughout the community of Oacoma and provides an expanded CATV product since the project was completed.

Camellia Communications
Broadband Loan for $13,100,000

Greenville is a small city in Butler County, Alabama. The 2005 census shows the population of Greenville to be 7,166. Prior to Camellia Communications bringing broadband internet service to Greenville, the only internet option for most was slow dial up service. Camellia Communications has been able to provide high speed broadband service to every department operated by the City of Greenville. The City Clerk reports that having the broadband internet service provided by Camellia Communications has been a huge advantage for them because they very often have to download and upload huge documents. What once took hours to accomplish with dial up can now be done in a fraction of the time. Greenville also saw tremendous damage during Hurricane Opal and Hurricane Katrina. The new broadband service allows the Emergency Operation Center to constantly monitor the weather while giving the city up-to-date information in order to prepare for future disasters. Lastly, the Greenville Animal Shelter has started its own website which posts pictures of animals that need a loving home that can be viewed by anyone considering adoption. Undoubtedly, the quality of life and economic well-being of Greenville has been greatly improved by the services offered by Camellia Communications.