NEK Community Broadband

NEK Community Broadband is a U.S. local government municipality registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) since February 24, 2021, located in Danville, Vermont. The organization focuses on expanding broadband infrastructure and connectivity in rural Vermont, specifically targeting underserved areas like St. Johnsbury. As a government entity, NEK Community Broadband specializes in developing and deploying high-speed internet infrastructure to address connectivity gaps in rural communities, with a primary mission of improving digital access and telecommunications capabilities for local residents and businesses.

The organization has secured significant federal grant awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service to support broadband expansion efforts. In May 2023, NEK Community Broadband was awarded a $17,463,911 Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect) grant to fund infrastructure investments for expanding broadband service in rural areas, with a project performance period from May 2, 2023, to May 2, 2025. Additionally, in September 2024, they received a $2,847,276 Community Connect Grant to deploy fiber optic network infrastructure in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. These grants aim to construct networks capable of providing high-speed internet access with minimum speeds of 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream to critical community facilities, residential premises, and businesses in underserved regions. The organization's grant-funded projects focus on technological infrastructure development, specifically targeting the enhancement of rural telecommunications capabilities through strategic broadband deployment initiatives.