Congressman Rice Secures $9.8 Million for Rural Broadband in the 7th District

Press Release

Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C.) today announced Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) was awarded $9,833,035 in Rural Development Broadband ReConnect grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

"This rural development investment will expand Horry Telephone Cooperative's network to more than 7,000 South Carolinians in rural parts of Marion and Georgetown counties," said Congressman Rice. "Connection to high-speed internet is essential to our students, families, educational facilities, and businesses in the 21stcentury. I'm glad to help secure these necessary funds from USDA and I thank the Department for recognizing the need for broadband investment in the 7th District."

This Rural Development investment will be used to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network in rural South Carolina. The funded 184 square mile service area includes:

7,636 people
2,889 households
11 educational facilities
Three essential community facilities
41 farms
80 businesses
Background:

USDA's Broadband ReConnect Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.

Future HTC members can request service by calling 843-369-8633 or by visiting www.htcinc.net/broadbandexpansion.

Source