Windstream, once an initial holdout in the broadband stimulus race that later entered when the rules were changed, just won a $7.3 million grant from the USDA to bring broadband access to unnerved rural areas in its home state Arkansas. The service provider will spend $2.4 million of its own money to complete the project.
In addition to Arkansas, Windstream applied for 33 USDA grants totaling $264 million to fund broadband projects in 13 states.
Out of the 33, the UDSA approved 18 grants totaling $181.3 million. When combined with Windstream's $60.5 million matching investment, the total cost of the 18 grants is $241.8 million.
With this money in hand, Windstream will be able to extend broadband services to 14 exchanges in Arkansas that do not currently have service today Bigelow; Crossett; Dalark; Elkins; Green Forest; Greenbrier; Harrison; Little Italy; Mulberry; Perryville; Quitman; Sheridan; West Fork; and Wye.
For more:
- Arkansas Business has this article
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