Construction for broadband internet begins in Antelope County

Approximately 111 home and business owners in rural Antelope County will soon be able to use broadband internet, all thanks to a recent state grant awarded to Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company, headquartered in Jackson.

NNTC has hired contractors to plow 61 miles of cutting-edge fiber-optic cable across 70 square miles of the county. Residents can anticipate the presence of contractors along roads and in ditches over the next couple of months, contingent on weather conditions. Those who opted in for the free fiber installation through NNTC will be contacted by the contractors.

NNTC was awarded $1.3 million from the Nebraska broadband Bridge Program on behalf of the Nebraska Public Service Commission to expand a 100% fiber internet connection into unserved areas like Antelope County. Alongside lightning-fast internet speeds of one GB uploads and downloads, new customers will have access to NNTC's TV product: NNTV and landline telephone service.

Pat McElroy, general manager/chief executive offier of NNTC, expressed enthusiasm for the project's impact, stating, "The Nebraska broadband Bridge grant program is instrumental in ensuring more Nebraskans have access to exceptional internet service. By bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, we strengthen the nation's communication networks. Without initiatives like this, many rural communities would remain unserved compared to their metropolitan counterparts."

NNTC has been the telecommunications service provider for Clearwater and other rural areas in Antelope County for nearly 70 years. The new customers will also become members of the NNTC Cooperative.