Rye Telephone Company Named Certified Gig-Capable Provider by NTCA-the Rural Broadband Association

​Rye Telephone Company (RTC), a USConnect company, was recognized today by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation in the RTC Colorado City exchange. NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America.

As a Certified Gig-Capable Provider, RTC joins a national campaign to build awareness and industry recognition of community-based telecom providers that have built communications networks capable of delivering Internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, which is 100 times faster than those currently available in many U.S. households. RTC also received tools to promote itself as a Gig-Capable Provider in the Rye community and will be recognized in NTCA media, on the NTCA website and during association conferences and events.

“I applaud Rye Telephone Company for its commitment to delivering the Internet’s fastest speeds - an accomplishment worthy of much praise considering the unique and challenging circumstances small, community-based telecommunications providers operate under every day in serving some of our country’s most rural and remote communities,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer, Shirley Bloomfield. “By building a gigabit-capable network, Rye Telephone Company has not only overcome these challenges but also shattered conventional benchmarks for broadband speed to enable cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their communities, region and nationwide.”

To achieve certification, telecommunications companies must show that gigabit technology is currently commercially available within 95% of one or more exchanges within its serving territory and that such service can be provided without new trenching or stringing new aerial facilities. This statement must be confirmed by a letter from an engineering firm or other independent source involved in the company’s network planning, deployment or operation.

More information about the NTCA Gig-Capable Provider certification program is available at www.ntca.org/gigcertified.

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About Rye Telephone Company

 Rye Telephone Company was founded in 1959 when the MacCormack family made a proposal to acquire the Farmers Mutual Cooperative in Rye. Today, RTC serves an area of approximately 1,800 square miles. RTC utilizes a state-of-the-art fiber optic network and offers an abundance of products and services to satisfy the area’s telecommunications needs. RTC is now a part of the USConnect family.

 The USConnect family of companies continue to operate independently, maintaining their local brands, management and great customer service. RTC is committed to providing customers the highest quality of communication and technology services that keep them connected to the world.

www.ryetelephone.com

 About USConnect

USConnect was formed in 2013 as a platform to promote and facilitate collective efforts to realize growth and efficiencies through acquisitions, develop collaborative initiatives to leverage the collective size and industry expertise of USConnect and its owners and advocate for the future success and viability of rural and community-based communications providers. USConnect owns and operates seven RLEC properties and their affiliated operations, which collectively serve approximately 19,000 voice, data and video connections over a combined service area spanning 4,400 square miles. Combined, USConnect and its owners employ 1,500 employees, generate revenue of $470 million and serve 445,000 voice, video and data connections over a collective service area spanning 45,000 square miles.

www.usconnectholdings.com

 About NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

 NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development, publications and industry events, and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.