NATCO Named Certified Gig-Capable Provider by NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association

NATCO was today recognized by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, 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 for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation in the Bull Shoals and Diamond City communities.

As a Certified Gig-Capable Provider, NATCO 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. NATCO also received tools to promote itself as a Gig-Capable Provider in these communities and will be recognized in NTCA media, on the NTCA website, and during association conferences and events.

"I applaud NATCO 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, NATCO 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.

NATCO is a locally owned and operated independent telecommunications company, established in 1951. Based in Flippin, at 301 East Main Street, NATCO provides advanced communications services (Voice, Internet, Cellular, and Television) to homes and business throughout north-central Arkansas including portions of Marion, Boone, and Baxter Counties. Call 1-800-775-6682 for more information. More information about the NTCA Gig-Capable Provider certification program is available at www.ntca.org/gigcertified.