A number of rural telecommunications companies have applied for – and received – federal funds to help upgrade Internet service in underserved areas.
The program is called “R-DOF" -- "Rural Digital Opportunity Fund."
"It's a federal government program that helps provide broadband service to some of these poorly-served areas," said Public Service Commissioner Randy Christmann.
Christmann said it requires the companies to offer at least one gigabit service.
"In some cases, those folks don't have adequate telephone service," Christmann said.
Christmann said itg has become very important to have reliable Internet service.
"This is a way to get that out there, and finally complete the puzzle, and make sure North Dakotans from one corner of the state to the other have the good, hardy Internet service they deserve," Christmann said.