Randolph County, NC –Randolph Communications has been recognized by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, as a Gig-Certified Provider for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation in the areas they serve. At the same time, Randolph Communications has also been designated as a Smart Rural Community Provider by NTCA.

As a Certified Gig-Certified Provider, Randolph Communications 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 up to one gigabit (1GIG) per second.  Smart Rural Community designation is given to telecommunications companies that build broadband networks throughout their service areas and provide technological innovation to their residents and businesses. 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.

To achieve Gig-Certified certification, companies must show that gigabit technology is available within 95 percent of one or more areas within its serving territory, and that such service can be provided without new trenching or stringing new aerial facilities. You can learn more about the NTCA Gig-Certified Provider certification program at www.ntca.org/gigcertified.

“We are thrilled to welcome Randolph Communications into the Smart Rural Community network and recognize them as a Gig-Certified provider,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “Gigabit speeds can unlock huge potential within a community, and North Carolina residents are lucky to have Randolph Communications providing them with the highest-quality technology and services. I applaud Randolph for their commitment to their community.”

The award recognizes Randolph Communications for its advanced infrastructure—not available in many highly populated areas—and for providing technology that has bred innovation and ensures communities and businesses thrive. Randolph Communications serves 534.46 square miles in its cooperative territory with the most advanced broadband technology available today. NTCA defines a Smart Rural Community Providers as one that “leads and collaborates on broadband-enabled projects that improve economic development, provide technology for advancing education and enhance state-of-the-art health care through telemedicine.  These initiatives, among others, help to connect rural communities and keep them advancing towards a future-proof sustainable infrastructure.”

“We are honored to receive both the Gig-Certified provider designation and the Smart Rural Community award,” says Kimberly Garner, CEO & General Manager of Randolph Communications. “Our mission is to improve the lives of our customers and communities and we are doing this by investing over $58 million in our rural communities and providing the most robust, sustainable infrastructure available. These awards are a fitting recognition of our efforts on behalf of our customers.”

More information about the NTCA’s Smart Rural Community award can be obtained here: https://www.ntca.org/member-services/programs/smart-rural-community.