Pioneer Connect announced this week that it has been named as a recipient of a $4.4 million grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the funds to be used for further rural expansion of high-speed internet.
The ReConnect 5 grant will go toward the cost of installing 15 miles of buried fiber-optic cable as well as 3 miles of aerial cable through difficult terrain, the company said. When completed, Pioneer Connect said it will be able to service 61 eligible locations that previously were not able to receive traditional, affordable internet services.
“This USDA fiber-to-the-home grant is a game-changer for our members,” Jim Rennard, Pioneer Connect general manager, said through a news release. “It brings cutting-edge technology right to their doorsteps, transforming how they live, work and stay connected. It’s all about opening doors — helping businesses grow, making essential services more accessible and making daily life easier and more convenient.”
The grant is the fourth that Pioneer Connect has received from the USDA for its fiber initiative. The earlier grants were through the Community Connect, ReConnect 3 and ReConnect 4 programs.
Company officials said such grants help expedite completing the goal of bringing symmetrical broadband speeds up to 1 gigabyte to more homes and businesses through the Pioneer Connect service area.
Pioneer Connect has now been awarded over $50 million to bring fiber-to-home capabilities to over 3,000 locations in Benton, Lincoln and Lane counties. According to the company, the long-term plan is to replace its copper network with fiber-to-the-home technology across its 1,300 square mile service area.