Ritter Communications, among the largest privately held telecommunications service providers in the Mid-South U.S., this week announced it is being awarded two rural broadband installation grants by the Arkansas Legislative Council.
The two grants are for Crittenden County and south Independence County, totaling approximately $12.8 million.
These resources, made available through the Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) program and funded by the American Rescue Plan, help finance projects that improve high-speed broadband internet access for more Arkansans.
Because of these grants, residents in these counties will have greater access to high-speed broadband internet services, including RightFiber, a new residential service by Ritter Communications using future-proof wholly fiber technology to deliver high-quality internet, TV and phone services at gigabit speeds to serviceable homes.
“Ritter Communications is proud to continue our commitment to bridge the digital divide in Arkansas and to uphold the trust given to us by our customers throughout the state,” commented Ritter Communications CEO Alan Morse. “Access to quality high-speed internet is vital for all Arkansans. We’re glad to be part of the effort to bring these services to the diverse communities across the state.”
Several expansion projects funded in part by similar grants are already underway across the state with more markets scheduled to come on in the weeks ahead. More communities will have access to RightFiber’s symmetrical one gigabit speed offering the fastest, highest performing service available as progress continues.
The provider says it is building its growing infrastructure network to sustain anticipated market growth and bandwidth demand – positioning Ritter Communications as the only 10G fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) provider in Arkansas through the RightFiber network.
“Additional bandwidth requirements and advances in our devices and technology are coming,” said Jeff Chapman, RightFiber General Manager. “We are preparing for that future now in each of our expansion projects so we are prepared to meet your needs when the time comes.”
Residents interested in engaging RightFiber services can visit RightFiber.com to proactively submit a form expressing interest in the service. This will help Ritter Communications make determinations about future expansions and streamline home activations once service is available.