Fort Berthold Reservation to Get Broadband Service

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Reservation Telephone Cooperative is getting a $10.95 million loan and a $10.95 million grant through the federal stimulus program to bring broadband service to the remote and rural areas in and around the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.

The Agriculture Department says homes, businesses, schools and libraries in parts of North Dakota and Montana will benefit. High-speed Internet also will be provided to tribal government facilities.

The Agriculture Department has invested about $1.1 million in federal stimulus money in 68 broadband projects nationwide. Applications filed under a second and final round are under review and will be announced before the end of the 2010 fiscal year.