Broadband

Big Bend Telephone (BBT) Receives National Smart Rural Community and Gig-Capable Certification

Alpine, Texas, 6-7-2022 – Big Bend Telephone (BBT) was recognized by NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, as a Smart Rural Community℠ (SRC) provider in 2015 and most recently a Certified Gig-Capable Provider for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation in West Texas communities.

SRC is a national network of communities powered by innovative rural broadband providers that are building a brighter future for small-town America. The 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.

As a Certified Gig-Capable Provider, BBT joins a national campaign to build awareness and industry recognition of community-based telecom providers that have built communications networks capable of delivering Internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, which is 100 times faster than those currently available in many U.S. households.

“BBT has been committed to providing the best, available communications services to its customers for over 60 years. Our investment in a fiber infrastructure is another way of showing our continued growth in providing robust, scalable voice and broadband services for the next generation.” said Rusty Moore, BBT General Manager/COO.

In order to receive recognition as an SRC provider, BBT was required to affirm that it offers 100 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.

To achieve certification as a Gig-Capable Provider, BBT showed that gigabit technology is currently commercially available within 95% of one or more exchanges within its serving territory and that such service can be provided without new trenching or stringing new aerial facilities. This statement must be confirmed by a letter from an engineering firm or other independent source involved in the company’s network planning, deployment or operation.

BBT gigabit Internet is offered throughout BBT’s service territory where fiber is available.  The communities of Sanderson, Sheffield, Comstock & Langtry are 100% served by synchronous gigabit fiber Internet service with Presidio scheduled for completion this year.

About BBT

BBT has provided quality voice, high-speed broadband, and advanced business services to thousands of customers in West Texas’s vast remote territory for over 60 years. BBT is the only fiber-based provider in the many rural communities served, and its service area covers 18,000 square miles, including 485 miles of border with neighboring Mexico. BBT is committed to providing the fastest speeds and most reliable voice service possible.

About NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association

The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business.

A 100% Fiber Network in Presidio, TX in 2022 

Presidio, Texas, April 19, 2022 – BBT has been a pillar of West Texas’ vast remote territory for the past 60 years, providing telecommunications and technology services and keeping customers moving far into the future. BBT is the only fiber-based provider in the many rural communities served, and its service area covers 18,000 square miles, including 485 miles of border with neighboring Mexico.

With an eye on prosperity and growth, BBT remains committed to the economic development of the communities served and has already made a capital investment of $36,000,000 over the course of the last several years to deploy fiber to 6,000 locations.  In addition, BBT continues to explore state and federal broadband funding opportunities to further expanding the critical infrastructure required to deliver vital fiber-based connectivity throughout its entire serving territory.  Business and economic growth are dependent on fast connectivity. Health and medical services share information and resources that can be lifesaving. Fiber-fed communications systems deliver information on weather, traffic alerts, and critical safety updates. In addition, it’s essential for education and border security purposes.  This technological evolution requires a fiber optic infrastructure in order to deliver these critical services.

By the end of 2022, BBT will complete a 100% fiber infrastructure to Presidio, TX.  This will give Presidio residents and businesses the ability to learn and work remotely, attend telehealth appointments and more.  “BBT is very excited about the progress we are making in Presidio. Fiber optics is reliable, future proof, and provides increased security and value.” said Rusty Moore, BBT General Manager/COO.  “Access to high-speed broadband is especially important to rural communities, which is something we advocate for across the nation. We are proud to help our communities close the digital divide.”

BBT has invested $3,500,000 to The Presidio Fiber Project that is currently under construction.  Some phases have been completed and many customers are already utilizing a fiber optic connection in their homes and businesses.  For more information about BBT Fiber please contact BBT at 800.592.4781 or learn more at bigbend.com.

Universal Services Fund Video

The Universal Services Fund is designed to increase access to telecommunications for everyone who lives in the United States.

Big Bend Telephone provides an educational video to help customers understand the benefits of the Universal Services Fund and what it does to help provide Broadband services to all Americans.