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Building a Connected Future: Partnering with Hunt Communications for Rural Broadband

Hunt Communications • Oct 26, 2023

On June 12th, 2023, an initiative titled Internet For All, was announced, promising $714 million in grants and loans to bridge the digital divide in rural areas and connect thousands to reliable and affordable high-speed internet.



For cable companies, it's not just about reaching more customers; it's about connecting thousands of farmers, business owners, and rural residents to high-quality and affordable high-speed internet. A reliable telecommunications infrastructure is critical to success. Hunt Communications is the leader in this field, having a long history of supplying reliable telecommunications infrastructure to rural areas.

What Exactly Is The USDA Initiative?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has spearheaded the Internet For All  movement aimed at bringing high-speed internet to rural communities across 19 states. This endeavor primarily unfolds into three significant goals:

  1. Economic Development: The USDA is devoted to stimulating economic growth in rural communities through high-speed internet. Dependable internet access is a strong pillar for job creation, bolstering local enterprises, and fostering innovation across these areas.
  2. Improved Healthcare and Education: The availability of high-speed internet is a cornerstone for telehealth providers and online learning, playing a pivotal role in facilitating health and education within rural communities.
  3. Enhanced Quality of Life: Internet connectivity allows rural communities to connect with the global community, use various online services, and enjoy a higher quality of life.



The Significance of High-Speed Internet for Rural Communities

The value of high-speed internet in rural landscapes is profound. It is a portal to many opportunities and services that once needed to be made more convenient. High-speed internet enables rural communities to:

  • Access healthcare services remotely, which is especially crucial during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Engage in online educational programs and resources, leveling the playing field for students in rural areas.
  • Participate in the digital economy by setting up online businesses or accessing broader employment opportunities.
  • Stay connected with family and friends, fostering social interactions and reducing feelings of isolation often experienced in remote areas.

Benefits for Cable Companies in Participating and Supporting the Initiative

Participating in and supporting the USDA’s initiative presents a win-win scenario for cable companies. The key benefits include:

  1. Market Expansion: By extending services to underserved rural areas, cable companies can tap into a new customer base, thus broadening their market reach.
  2. Enhanced Reputation: Being part of a noble initiative to bridge the digital divide reflects positively on a company's image, showcasing a commitment to social responsibility.
  3. Government Support: Engaging in partnerships under a government-backed initiative may open doors to financial support, regulatory incentives, and other benefits that significantly lower rural internet construction's operational and infrastructural costs.


Long-term Customer Loyalty: Establishing a reliable telecommunications infrastructure fosters customer loyalty, as satisfied customers will likely continue using the services and recommend them to others.

Hunt Communications: Your Trusted Telecommunications Contractor Providing Rural Internet in Texas

Hunt is a central figure in rural telecommunications construction, with a team of experts dedicated to bridging the digital divide. Our core mission revolves around providing high-speed internet access to rural communities often left in the connectivity shadows. 

With a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges that rural areas present, we at Hunt step in as a pivotal solution provider. Our expertise extends to a range of services, including the construction of fiber cable networks, a venture that significantly impacts rural residents' personal, professional, and economic lives. 

Our approach to rural internet construction is grounded in extensive industry experience and a proven track record of successful projects. One of the remarkable illustrations of our expertise is the in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience shared by our personnel, like Tim Howard, an Aerial Lineman with over 40 years in the utility engineering industry. His work at Hunt Communications involves tackling complex aerial construction projects, such as installing fiber optic cable between utility poles, make ready, slack management, and managing unique challenges at sites like train crossings, all in compliance with many regulations. This practical expertise and a collaborative approach with various stakeholders showcase our capability to navigate the intricacies of rural telecommunications construction. 


Moreover, the insights shared by Stephen Gomez, a Fiber Design Engineer, further accentuate Hunts' adeptness in managing telecommunications construction's technical and logistical facets. 


From mapping out new subdivisions to creating redlines and putting together an estimate of cost and bill of materials, the day-to-day endeavors at Hunt are a testament to our company's commitment to excellence and continuous learning, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of industry advancements. 


Our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable infrastructure is prominently echoed in our endeavors. We are aware of the infrastructure limitations in rural areas, which often lack foundational frameworks like fiber optic cables, requiring creative and cost-effective solutions. At Hunt Communications, we address these challenges head-on, leveraging our experience and collaborative approach to foster connectivity, regardless of the geographical or infrastructural hurdles. 


By engaging with government entities, private companies, and community stakeholders, we orchestrate sustainable solutions that fulfill the immediate connectivity needs and pave the way for long-term community growth and development.

What Are the Key Advantages of Choosing Hunt as a Utility Construction Company?

As one of the best telecommunications contractors, our sole purpose is to help and communicate with several cable companies by assisting them in offering the best rural broadband internet services.

Broad Range of Services Offered by Hunt Communications

Hunt provides a comprehensive array of services tailored to the diverse needs of rural internet construction projects. These services include:
 

  • Underground & Aerial Construction: Utilizing specialized techniques to place underground and overhead telecommunication infrastructure.
  • Fiber & Coax Splicing: Ensuring seamless connections for optimal data transmission.
  • Cable Installation: Precise installation of cabling systems to facilitate robust internet connectivity.
  • Engineering & Design: Tailored engineering solutions and design services to meet the unique requirements of rural areas.
  • ISP & OSP Cabling: Offering both Inside Plant (ISP) and Outside Plant (OSP) cabling solutions to ensure comprehensive network coverage.

Expertise in Navigating the Unique Challenges of Rural Internet Construction

Rural areas present unique challenges for internet construction, including geographical obstacles, lack of existing infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles. At Hunt Communications, we have a proven track record of successfully navigating these challenges, showcasing our expertise in rural telecommunications construction having built over 1,000 miles of aerial and buried networks.


Hunt works to collaborate with its clients from the planning stages of feasibility studies, creating designs and engineering plans for municipality and state permitting agencies, performing and managing the construction of new networks, and finally splicing and testing to certify that the new network will perform as expected.We have built singular subdivisions, turned up dedicated networks for school districts and municipalities in the greater Fort Worth area, and overbuilt fiber to the home services through entire cities such as Mineral Wells, Bridgeport, and Decatur TX. 


Our seasoned team is adept at understanding the nuances of rural environments and devising effective strategies to overcome these hurdles, ensuring the successful execution of internet construction projects.

Utilizing Innovative Technologies and Best Practices for Efficient Project Execution

Embracing innovative technologies and adhering to industry best practices are at the core of Hunt Communications' operational ethos. By tapping into the latest technological advancements, our company is able to speed up the construction timeline, uphold precision, and enhance the functionality of the telecommunications infrastructure.


Our dedication to best practices ensures the streamlined completion of projects and fosters long-term reliability and robustness in the structures built.


Through a blend of technological innovation and adherence to industry standards, Hunt delivers superior value to its partners and contributes significantly towards bridging the digital divide in rural areas.

Ensuring Seamless Collaboration with Rural Broadband Providers

At Hunt Communications, we ensure a seamless collaboration with any broadband providers we partner with. Here are the perks we offer:
 

  • Tailoring Solutions to Meet the Specific Needs of Cable Companies:
    Understanding that every cable company may have distinct needs and objectives, Hunt Communications strongly emphasizes customizing its services. We engage in thorough discussions to understand the specific requirements and expectations of cable companies, subsequently tailoring our solutions to align with these needs, ensuring a highly resonant and effective collaboration.
  • Streamlining Project Management and Coordination to Minimize Disruption:
    Hunt Communications adopts a streamlined approach to project management and coordination. By utilizing advanced project management tools and methodologies, we ensure that all project milestones are met, and any potential disruptions are identified and mitigated proactively. This meticulous approach facilitates a smooth execution of the construction process, minimizing disruptions and ensuring the project stays on schedule and within budget.
  • Promoting Open Communication and Collaboration Throughout the Construction Process:
    Open communication and collaborative engagement are fundamental principles at Hunt Communications. We foster a conducive environment for open discussions, feedback, and collective problem-solving. By maintaining transparent communication channels, we ensure that all stakeholders, including cable companies, are kept informed and engaged throughout the construction process. This collaborative approach not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the project but also fosters a sense of partnership and trust, crucial for the successful completion of the rural internet construction project and the long-term relationship between Hunt Communications and the cable companies.

Conclusion

The USDA's federal initiative "Internet For All" represents a monumental step towards bridging the digital divide, segregating rural communities from the digital realm. Its essence lies in bringing high-speed internet to these areas, fostering economic growth, enhancing healthcare and education accessibility, and improving the quality of life.

Hunt Communications stands as a distinguished partner for cable companies, offering extensive expertise in rural internet construction. Our track record of successful projects and comprehensive range of services makes them a reliable choice for navigating the complexities of rural telecommunications infrastructure development.

Cable companies seeking to expand their reach into rural areas and support the USDA's initiative will find a trustworthy and competent partner in Hunt. Contact us today to discuss your next project. Our commitment to quality, innovative approach, and collaboration ensure the delivery of reliable and efficient telecommunications construction projects, significantly bridging the rural digital divide.

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I am an Aerial Lineman at Hunt and have been with the company for six months, but I’ve spent over 40 years in the utility engineering industry itself. I was fourteen when I started working in the cable industry. My sister married a turnkey cable contractor, so I was able to learn about all aspects of the industry from my brother-in-law.

Employee Connection: Construction Supervisor, Frank Granger

By Hunt Communications • 30 Jun, 2023
I started with Hunt three years ago as a Laborer, which involves a variety of tasks and responsibilities like opening, backfilling and compacting trenches, placing fiber in aerial applications, pulling cable and wire through trenches and buildings, and removing and replacing sod on easements.

Going the Distance: The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Long-Distance Fiber Optic Networks

By Hunt Communications • 30 Jun, 2023
Fast, secure, on-demand internet may seem ubiquitous these days, but in truth, not everyone has equal access to this critical modern resource. Rural communities, isolated communities, and underserved populations often struggle to access reliable internet connections, with many having to travel great distances to do so. Long-distance fiber optic networks are the answer. These fiber networks can provide residents of such communities with the same internet connectivity that residents of major cities enjoy. In doing so, long-distance fiber networks can accomplish more than establishing quick, secure internet connections — they can change lives. Access & Opportunity for Rural Communities A major benefit of long-distance fiber optic networks is its ability to bring high-quality internet connections to rural, isolated and underserved communities. It may surprise you to learn that there are many areas throughout the U.S. which rely on fiber networks to serve their communities from great distances. Without these long-distance fiber connections, these areas would not have internet access at all, as traditional copper-based cable networks were not designed to carry over significant distances. When a previously unconnected community gains access to reliable internet through long-distance fiber networks, a new world of opportunity opens up to its residents. With stable internet connectivity, rural residents can: View & apply to jobs Search & apply for stable housing Complete or check voter registration, renew vehicle registrations, & access other civic e-services Connect with loved ones from a distance via video chat, social media & other platforms Access online educational opportunities Access up-to-date, credible news, information & resources Access to these opportunities and services may be taken for granted in larger, more urban areas, but for residents of rural or underserved areas, they can be life-changing. Long-distance fiber networks are making it happen by providing equitable internet access in areas that private ISPs may not serve. Combating Economic Decline In a world where reliable internet access is a barrier to entry for many economic pursuits, like starting a small business or finding gainful employment, rural and underserved communities are suffering. When internet access is afforded only to those living in major cities or larger urban areas, residents outside of these designated areas are cut off from the opportunities an easily-accessible internet connection can offer, setting them at a distinct economic disadvantage. Think of the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: Businesses of all sizes leveraged internet-based services and platforms to pivot to online storefronts, curbside pickup, and other creative means to survive. Without internet connectivity, small businesses didn’t stand a chance — an unfair reality proven especially true for businesses in rural and underserved areas. Thankfully, long-distance fiber networks are helping to even these scales across the nation. The implementation of widespread internet access is an impactful step toward reversing the economic decline of smaller, more rural communities. Unlike private ISPs, fiber networks can be locally managed, which helps ensure that residents have equitable, reliable access. And the effects of implementation are compound: As more networks are built, the easier it becomes for networks to grow and expand — and for the communities that benefit from them to grow economically, too. Texas’s Plan for a Connected Future As it becomes increasingly difficult to conduct business without internet connectivity, the Texas legislature and Governor Abbott are taking steps toward a more connected future for the state by establishing the Governor’s Broadband Development Council. In a recent briefing to the new Council, it was noted that “concerns have been raised that a lack of proper broadband connectivity in rural areas of Texas has left many residents at a disadvantage compared to other areas of the state, leaving rural Texans at risk of being left behind.” The Council aims to address these gaps in broadband access and adoption by understanding who is using broadband connections, what roadblocks are in the way of more widespread connectivity, and identifying solutions that will make connectivity possible for a greater number of Texans. Bring Fiber to Your Neighborhood Interested in installing a fiber optic network in your town, municipality, neighborhood or business? Contact us today to learn more about how Hunt Communications can help! If you’re a resident interested in learning more about the benefits of a fiber optic cable network installation in your community, check out Hunt’s Resident FAQ! It answers all the common questions about our work and its benefits, including a breakdown of the installation process.

Employee Connection: Design Engineer, Stephen Gomez (Q&A Questions)

By Hunt Communications • 02 May, 2023
The Hunt Communications team prioritizes professional growth for all our employees. We’re invested in the careers of our team members, and it’s part of our company culture to not only promote from within, but to cross-train and provide additional learning opportunities to any employee that has an interest in them. For this month’s Employee Connection blog, we asked Stephen Gomez about his work with us as a Fiber Design Engineer and his experience growing with us. Please enjoy this Q&A with Stephen, and keep an eye out for more Employee Connections in the near future! Hi Stephen! Tell us a bit about your typical workday as a Fiber Design Engineer at Hunt. My day starts as I walk into the office and greet my coworkers, which easily turns into information-gathering conversations about the day’s work ahead. Throughout my day, I’m responsible for completing estimates, creating redlines — original drawings that have been marked with red lines to reflect modifications to designs — and mapping out new subdivisions. My position requires me to flex skills like problem-solving, math and calculations, and plain old common sense. What’s one thing you wish people knew about your job? It’s fun! Once you’re in a groove and getting your work done, it can be very enjoyable and fulfilling. What’s something that surprised you about your current position? The thing that surprised me the most is also the thing I enjoy the most: There’s always something new to learn. I am constantly learning, and it’s fascinating to get an insider’s understanding of how subdivisions are built. Even the best jobs have challenges — what’s a challenge you face in your work, and how does Hunt support you through it? The sheer volume of work can be overwhelming at times. It’s great to be in an in-demand industry, but the mountain of work can definitely be daunting! Hunt helps us all manage our workloads by creating an environment of teamwork. No one is afraid to ask for help, and you can always count on your peers for assistance when you need it. What are your goals for the next few years of your career? I’m eager to broaden my knowledge of our field outside of work, and bring that knowledge back to Hunt to apply it in my current position. What do you enjoy most about the work Hunt does? The people. Everyone is valued for their own personality and skills, and will always make you feel welcome. There is always someone to learn from, with experience they’re happy to share with the entire team. What are you most proud of in your career so far? My capabilities are greater than I had thought. Hunt has allowed me the opportunity to grow in ways I never could have imagined. Join the Hunt Communications family! Looking to level up your career? Hunt is currently hiring for a variety of telecommunications construction jobs in Newark, TX and elsewhere. Browse our open positions and submit your application today! LEARN MORE
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