What is a Smart Rural Community Provider?

FMTC is part of a growing network of fiber optic Internet providers who are paving the way to advance services in our community for telehealth, education and economic opportunity, building a brighter future for small town America. 

In order to receive recognition as a Smart Rural Community Provider℠, Farmers Mutual Telephone Company was required to affirm that it offers 25/3 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. As a result of Farmers Mutual Telephone Company’s national recognition, Fruitland will now be celebrated as a Smart Rural Community®, joining a national network of similarly innovative communities.

NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield also recognized Farmers Mutual Telephone Company 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 Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and Fruitland, Idaho for their commitment to enabling cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their region and nationwide.”