PSCI awarded $29,139,000 in loan funding to enhance broadband services in three counties

On November 14 the USDA announced it had awarded Perry-Spencer Rural Telephone Cooperative (PSC) over $29 million in loan funding to expand and enhance broadband access in rural areas.

The loan is to be used to install FTTP service through exchanges in the three counties PSC services. The areas include: Santa Claus, St. Meinrad and Lamar in Spencer County; Banden, and Bristow in Perry County; Holland in Dubois County.

FTTP stands for fiber-to-the-premises and will be an upgrade to fiber optic lines from hybrid copper/fiber that has provided DSL.

PSC sees the need to add fiber based on the increasing amount of internet use not only for information but also for entertainment as more TV’s accept streaming HD from online sources.

[box type=”info”]In Indiana, Perry-Spencer Rural Telephone Cooperative Inc., (PSC) provides telecommunications services to 5,711 subscribers over approximately 1,148 square miles. This loan will enable PSC to start the process of designing and building FTTP broadband services across its service area. This investment in broadband technology creates the potential for increased business growth, while providing improved telecommunications, entertainment services, educational services, healthcare, and public safety to rural communities in Indiana.[/box]

The USDA news release said the local communications utility was among those serving rural areas in 15 states that were selected to receive $410.7 million.

“Today’s funding will provide residents of these rural communities with high-speed Internet connections to improve health-care and educational opportunities and connect to global markets,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the release.

“In addition to providing much-needed services to rural businesses and residents, these investments will increase jobs, not just in the near term, but through expanded opportunities in rural areas.”