Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company (NNTC) recognized the VillageofClarks,asaSmartRuralCommunity (SRC)onTuesday, August 23rd at the VFW in Clarks at the company’s open house.

The designation comes from the Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) in conjunction with NNTC. This recognition is presented to those Broadband enabled communities who see an importance of Broadband Internet as a way to connect and grow through the capabilities of expanded online education, remote work, telehealth, ag technology, economic development, government services, safety and security. Clarks is a Gig-Certified capable community enabling technology for all those who live and work there.

TheSmartRuralCommunity designationisanopportunityfor rural communities to position themselves among a national network of communities powered by innovative rural broadband providers for growth. Gig-capable fiber communities have the power to build a brighter future for small-town America.

At a time in Nebraska and the United States when government is investing millions to help close the “Digital Divide”, Clarks is already enjoying the same great fiber enabled speeds as those in urban areas like Lincoln and Omaha.

NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield also recognized NNTC for this achievement, noting, “We are so excited to welcome another Smart Rural Community provider into this growing network of innovative broadband providers delivering the Internet’s fastest speeds in some of the most remote and rural communities of our country. I applaud NNTC and Clarks, NE for their commitment to enabling cuttingedge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their region and nationwide.”

The presentation to Clarks by NNTC was part of a company hosted open house. All NNTC communities will receive this designation at a later date.

Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company (NNTC) is a telephone, internet and television service provider headquartered in Jackson, NE. NNTC serves 30 communities throughout 24 counties in northeast Nebraska. Founded in 1955, NNTC has always kept customers first by providing the best telecommunication services in rural Nebraska. NNTC is one of Nebraska’s first telephone cooperatives. The company’s leaders strive to pay back members in the form of capital credits.

NNTC services are unique in that all services are delivered to customers through a fiber network. Over 3,000 miles of fiber lines are buried underground, which delivers high-quality, fast and reliable service to every home and business they serve.

Leading the way for Clarks from left to right are Clarks Trustee Kelly Urkoski, NNTC Board Vice President LeRoy Dvorak, Chairperson Norm Manstedt and Village Clerk Kari Podliska.