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Network Engineering

Every network is different—and so are our solutions. NRTC’s inside plant network engineers work side-by-side with you to determine the services and technologies that will best suit your business and connectivity needs of today and tomorrow. As a co-operative, we do far more than design and build networks; we partner with our members to build lasting infrastructure that enables rural communities to grow and thrive. 


Partnership you can count on

Our role as your trusted advisor is one we cherish. As network engineers, we do the technical heavy-lifting to enable the services—fiber broadband, smart grid connectivity, and more—you plan to offer your community. Part educators, part engineers, we guide you through every decision, offering experienced counsel and ensuring every choice supports your long-term goals and provides the best value to your total cost of ownership.  

Your network will last for generations—it’s our job to ensure that the technologies we deploy today will meet the needs of your community for years to come. 


Network design that gives you choice

Many broadband engineering companies offer quick, formulaic solutions through their vendor of choice. NRTC does not. As a cooperative specializing in rural network builds, we’ve found that cookie-cutter solutions—while often simpler—rarely meet the long-term needs of our members and require expensive updates soon after the initial build. 

Our approach is tailored to suit the specific requirements of your business and community. Our engineers sit at the table with you to discuss your vision and design solutions that bring it to life. We partner with multiple vendors and manufacturers—vetted to meet the highest industry standards—to meet your budget, goals, and connectivity needs. While these decisions take time, the result is a unique network capable of supporting long-term growth. 


The power of integration

NRTC’s network engineers work in conjunction with all departments, providing holistic support from feasibility through deployment. Working together, we’re able to coordinate our efforts to design and deliver the best outcomes for our members and their communities.  In the end, what you get is more than a well-designed network. Our greatest value lies in helping you build a lasting business—one that positions your community for long-term success. 


Resources

The Latest Broadband News

Commenters Tie Data Center Needs to Deregulation and Grid Modernization

NTIA recently received comments in response to its investigation into internet data center facilities. There is wide agreement that the nation will require more data centers to serve artificial intelligence applications. Internet systems developers, such as Cisco and Open AI, said NTIA should encourage the development of smart grid systems to meet growing need for electricity to power the centers. Some said data centers could appear in rural areas, but it will require development of a technically qualified workforce.

Latest DEED Grants Clear the Way for Further Minnesota Broadband Coverage

The Minnesota Border-to-Border Broadband Development grant program recently awarded $52 million in grants in its tenth round of funding to internet providers throughout the state. Among the winners, East Central Energy (ECE), Braham, MN, is receiving nearly $7 million, to fill in unserved areas of Mille Lacs County. NRTC has assisted ECE through three rounds of Border-to-Border applications in recent years.

NTCA Says Government Should Prioritize Fiber for BEAD Support

NTCA in recent joint comments with ACA Connects urged NTIA to maintain policies favoring fiber construction over wireless and satellite alternatives for BEAD projects. Congressional and wireless industry pressure led NTIA earlier this summer to propose a draft policy that would make it somewhat easier for states to fund “alternative technologies.”

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