“I applaud Wabash for its commitment to delivering the internet’s fastest speeds—an accomplishment worthy of much praise considering the unique and challenging circumstances small, community-based telecommunications providers operate under every day in serving some of our country’s most rural and remote communities,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “By building a gigabit-capable network, Wabash has not only overcome these challenges, but also shattered conventional benchmarks for broadband speed to enable cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their communities, region and nationwide.”

To achieve certification, telecommunications companies must show that gigabit technology is currently commercially available within 95% of one or more exchanges within its serving territory.

“We are honored to receive this distinction and to join the elite group of broadband providers,” said Wabash President and CEO Mike Boley. “Not only does this national accolade represent the work and dedication of our employees and Board of Directors, but also the cooperative’s commitment to our communities. Wabash is grateful for the support of these communities to allow us to be part of their everyday lives. We look forward to expanding our fiber network and to raising the standard of excellence even further.”

More information about the NTCA Gig-Capable Provider certification program is available at www.ntca.org/gigcertified.

About Wabash Mutual Telephone Company

Wabash Mutual Telephone Company is a local, member-owned communications company providing internet, television and phone services and solutions to homes and businesses in Mercer County, Ohio, and the surrounding area. With an earned reputation as a communications innovator, Wabash is continually deploying fiber-to-the-premise and other enhanced fiber services to its residential and business customers. Staying true to our cooperative principles established in 1911, Wabash continues to adopt ever-advancing technology to remain a cutting-edge provider and grow in rural America. For more information, visit us at www.wabash.com.

About NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

NTCA–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 advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of transformative technological advancements, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, 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. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture, and education and contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org.