Rural Broadband Benchmarking Report

The number of cooperatives (co-ops) bridging the broadband divide continues to grow. More than 240 of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative's (NRTC) electric members have deployed broadband for their communities, while leveraging these technologies for a smarter grid. Findings from NRTC and NRECA's report include:

• Members are expanding their networks and their impact on their communities: As we’re now years into the movement of electric co-op broadband, we’re seeing projects expand as co-ops continue to benefit their communities. 89 percent saw an economic benefit in their area due to broadband, and every NRTC survey respondent is leveraging grants to fund this expansion.
• Competition is increasing significantly, yet our members are competing well: 90 precent have seen increased competition and 88 percent expect increased competition in the next 3 years.
• Costs continue to increase: Cost per aerial mile & per passing for newer projects are over 50 percent higher than earlier ones.
• Networks are increasingly more capable: 64 percent are using XGS-PON and therefore many more members are offering 2 Gbps residential plans, while more members are using fiber to connect substations and downline devices for smart grid.