NTCA 2026 Smart Rural Community Showcase Award Winners Demonstrate the Power of Community-Focused Broadband

NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association CEO Mike Romano today announced the winners of the 2026 Smart Rural Community Showcase Awards, presented annually to rural broadband providers who not only provide high-quality, reliable connectivity, but who also have led the way on collaborative and innovative projects that leverage these connections to advance the communities they serve.

The Smart Rural Community program is a network of 300 communities across a wide swath of rural America supported by NTCA member providers who are committed to driving growth through robust broadband service. The Showcase Awards are presented to providers in recognition of their extraordinary achievements in promoting rural broadband networks and innovative applications that create opportunities for the educators, health care providers, farmers, small business owners, public safety professionals and others who help their communities thrive.

"As I present the Showcase Awards for the first time, I am inspired by the creativity and innovation demonstrated by this year's winners," said NTCA CEO Mike Romano. "These community-based broadband providers are not only delivering robust and reliable connectivity but are also improving the quality of life in their communities. Their efforts demonstrate what's possible when local providers invest in the long-term success and ongoing vitality of the people and places they serve."

The following providers and communities were recognized:

• 3 Rivers Communications (Fairfield, Mont.) - 3 Rivers Communications has awarded nearly $160,000 to schools and libraries to expand access to technology and digital learning opportunities. The cooperative also provides grants and scholarships to students and teachers to help sustain education across its rural service area.
• Dakota Central (Carrington, N.D.) - Dakota Central provides the connectivity that supports rural healthcare, education and economic development across central North Dakota. The cooperative supported a gaming event that helps make technology more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
• DTC Communications (Alexandria, Tenn.) - DTC Communications collaborated with local leaders to deploy one of the largest public Wi-Fi networks in Tennessee at the State Fairgrounds. The network supports more than 1 million annual visitors while enhancing public safety and event operations across 300 acres.
• Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative (Rainsville, Ala.) - Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative helped launch the High-Tech Connect Center, providing digital literacy, computer skills and ESL training in an underserved community. The center helps residents build technology skills, expand their education and access online resources.
• Garden Valley Technologies (Erskine, Minn.) - Garden Valley Technologies partnered with local schools to give students hands-on experience in broadcasting, video production and digital media while helping the cooperative produce hundreds of live broadcasts. The initiative keeps rural residents connected to local schools, sports, churches and community events while helping students build valuable career skills.
• Strata Networks (Roosevelt, Utah) - Strata Networks partnered with a local technical college to develop IT, networking and cybersecurity training programs that prepare students for high-demand technology careers. The cooperative also provides scholarships, equipment and industry expertise to help strengthen the region's workforce.
• Surry Communications (Dobson, N.C.) - Surry Communications worked with local leaders to deploy a free community Wi-Fi network throughout downtown Mount Airy, helping visitors, businesses and event organizers stay connected. The network enhances tourism, supports local commerce and strengthens public safety communications during community events.
• West Carolina (Abbeville, S.C.) - West Carolina created a community education program designed to meet residents where they are-both geographically and in their technology journey-through classes on topics ranging from streaming and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence. The cooperative helps community members build skills and confidence to make the most of their broadband connection.

The 2026 Showcase Award winners were announced at the 2026 Fall Conference. Watch the announcement video here.