Fiber to Home Network

North Dakota is now home to the largest fiber optic internet connection in North America. The new network covers a 10,000 mile region centralized in south central North Dakota, an area equal to the size of New Jersey.

"All of our people can stay right where they want to be. If they want to live in rural North Dakota, their opportunities are going to be right there for them," said Governor Jack Dalrymple.

A fiber optic cable consists of hundreds or even thousands of optically pure glass strands as thin as human hair that are bundled together. The glass transmits light wave signals across long distances. These waves end up being your internet, TV or phone signals.

Residents of rural North Dakota say that this fiber to home network will help all facets of daily life whether its expanding business, seeking education, or enjoying home entertainment.

"I have an office in my farm house and my job is Director of the North Dakota Dairy Coalition. I try to bring more dairy cows to North Dakota. Without the broadband to our home office, I`d have to live somewhere else or in Mandan where our home office is," said Gary Hoffman.

"Most schools are small and rural, it`s hard to attract teachers. With a fiber network, the distance learning makes it possible for students to take classes with teachers from another part of the state, across the country or across the world," said Director for Dakota Central Telecommunications Kathy McCracken.

The General Manager of Dakota Central Telecommunications, Keith Larson, says that the fiber-optic technology can be upgraded when needed. "All you have to do to increase the bandwidth speed into the future is change the electronics on the end of the fiber."

Dakota Central Telecommunications and Dickey Rural Networks set up the network. Leaders at both companies say the network has the ability to provide every single home and business in their coverage area with a fiber optic connection.