In September 2017 NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association recognized Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association as one of 13 rural broadband providers with the Smart Rural Community Showcase award. They were recognized for their efforts to deliver technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business.
“WCCTA is prime example of the power of a broadband connection and a steadfast commitment to growth and prosperity,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield.
“Not only are the people of WCCTA charting their own path to a more prosperous future, they are also creating a road map for many more communities across the country to follow suit. I commend the people of WCCTA for these extraordinary efforts.”
As a member owned cooperative and independent telecommunications provider WCCTA provides service to 16 rural communities throughout five counties covering 715 square miles. According to WCCTA General Manager, Daryl Carlson, “We’ve plowed a tremendous amount of Fiber out into those rural areas and built a solid backbone from a network perspective to give all our members broadband capabilities.” That process completed in 2011 included more than a decade of construction and an investment of more than $20 Million dollars.
Wireless needs wires, too. WCCTA already connects Fiber to a number of cellular towers in the service area. This will be critical with the industry push towards 5G technology.
Receiving the Gigabit Certification through NTCA in 2015, WCCTA continues to upgrade technology and equipment powering the Fiber network. Technicians locate and maintain over 1,000 miles of buried Fiber Optic cable as part of WCCTA’s Fiber to the Home network. Maintenance is ongoing to make sure the network for members continues to provide quality and reliable service.
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association provides Landline Telephone, Digital TV and Internet service to 16 rural communities on a Fiber driven network just outside the Fort Dodge, Iowa area: Pilot Mound, Boxholm, Lanyon, Paton, Churdan, Farnhamville, Gowrie, Somers, Moorland, Knierim, Barnum, Clare, Thor, Badger, Vincent, and Duncombe. www.wccta.net WCCTA is Gigabit Certified and designated a Smart Rural Community by NTCA: the Rural Broadband Association. #ruralbroadband #smartruralcommunity #buildbroadbandwithus #ntca #gogowrie #gigcertified #ruraliscool #thisisiowa #nottobrag #thisisfortdodge #gogowrie