I’m pleased to see that two of out of the seven Smart Rural Communities named by The Rural Broadband Association are from Minnesota…

The Rural Broadband Association, the premier national association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies, today recognized seven communities in rural areas of the United States that have earned the title Smart Rural Community as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative to highlight efforts that make rural hometowns vibrant places in which to live and do business.

The goal of the NTCA Smart Rural Community initiative is to foster the development of smart communities throughout rural America by recognizing trailblazers, providing a road map and identifying resources to assist other broadband providers and connected industries. In the first phase of this multifaceted initiative, NTCA recognized and awarded communities served by its members that embody the title Smart Rural Community by promoting access to next-generation applications and platforms such as distance learning, telehealth services, public safety and security.

The following broadband providers received national recognition:

• Blue Valley Tele-Communications, Inc. (Home, Kan.)

• DRN (Ellendale, N.D.)

• ITS Telecom (Indiantown, Fla.)

• Mutual Telephone Company (Little River, Kan.)

• Nex-Tech, Inc. (Hays, Kan.)

• Park Region Telephone/Otter Tail Telecom (Underwood, Minn.)

• West Central Telephone Association (Sebeka, Minn.)

I’m hoping to get more info from both Minnesota businesses later this week. But I wanted to share the good news asap! I know that the Minnesota Telecom Alliance made a big push to get Minnesota companies to apply. Looks like that effort paid off.