FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2022
Chariton Valley to Bring Fiber Broadband to Rural Homes as NTIA Grant Recipient
MACON, MO – March 3, 2022 – Chariton Valley (CV) announced today it will bring fiber broadband to rural Missouri residents, farms, businesses, and community anchor institutions utilizing funds awarded through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Infrastructure Program.
“With the assistance of the NTIA grant, Chariton Valley will provide fiber broadband to those with limited or no access to fast and reliable broadband. We are extremely proud of our partnership with the state of Missouri and to be a part of this project,” said Kirby J. Underberg, Chariton Valley’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
The NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program was designed to facilitate partnerships between fixed broadband providers and a state or a state’s political subdivision(s) to support broadband deployment in eligible service areas, defined as census blocks in which a minimum broadband speed of 25/3 Mbps is not available at one or more locations. Chariton Valley was among multiple providers who partnered with the Missouri Department of Economic Development to apply for the federal funds. NTIA awarded $277 Million in 12 states and one territory. Missouri received the most funding acquiring $42.2 Million.
The $5.5 million specifically awarded to Chariton Valley will be used to deploy fiber broadband to unserved portions of Marion, Monroe, and Shelby Counties. Placing 100 miles of Fiber Optic network to 845 unserved locations supports Chariton Valley’s vision to provide premier services to enhance opportunities for rural communities.
“By bringing fiber to these areas, we will provide more rural Missourians with the high-speed connectivity needed to work from home, use telehealth services and learn remotely, following our vision of enhancing opportunities for rural communities,” added Underberg.
To learn more about the NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program and Chariton Valley’s participation, visit www.cvalley.net/ntia/ or call 660-395-9000.
About Chariton Valley
Chariton Valley, Missouri’s premier communications provider, through its influential leadership, innovative advances and 70 years of experience, continues to enhance rural prosperity and rural living. Chariton Valley’s reliable network utilizes fiber facilities to expand connectivity to students, families, farmers, businesses, medical facilities and rural communities every day. Chariton Valley’s success is driven by a commitment to deliver an exceptional customer experience and to continue supporting the communities it serves with pride. Learn more at www.cvalley.net.
# # #
Chariton Valley
Donna Bell
660-395-9636
[email protected]
www.cvalley.net
