The Albert Lea Tribune reports…

Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association (WCTA) was recently named a Smart Connected Community (SCC) provider by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association.

The SCC is a national network of communities powered by innovative broadband providers that are building a brighter future in their communities. The SCC program promotes rural broadband and its role in supporting innovative economic development, effective education, efficient energy distribution and use, state-of-the-art health care and other important issues for rural America.

In order to receive recognition as a SCC provider, WCTA was required to affirm that it offers 25/3 Mbps broadband to at least 50% of its service area; that it has broadband subscription rates of at least 50%; and that it is committed to program principles of collaboration and innovation. WCTA has gone above and beyond the standards set by NTCA and is Gig Certified. As a result of WCTA’s national recognition, Twin Lakes will now be celebrated as a Smart Connected Community, joining a national network of similarly innovative communities. …

Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association is a member-owned cooperative providing a full range of quality reliable telecommunication services and products to communities in North Central Iowa and South Central Minnesota.