North Dakota leads nation in fiber optic access

North Dakota leads the nation in high-speed fiber optic access to the Internet, according to a US Department of Agriculture report.

“We have made it a priority to deploy a high-speed Internet network throughout the state,” said Jasper Schneider, acting administrator for the USDA’s rural utilities service. “As a result, North Dakota is once again leading the way and has a plan for statewide coverage.” The 15 telecommunications companies that make up the Dakota Carrier Network have put 40,000 miles of fiber optics in the ground, bringing high-speed broadband capability to every corner of the state, said Seth Arndorfer, CEO of the Dakota Carrier Network. “Our network is bringing gigabit-capable broadband services to hundreds of business locations,” he said. The report shows that the Dakota Carrier Network invested $100 million per year for the past decade into fiber optic infrastructure.

[Dec 29]