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Advancing Community

Story by Melanie Jones

Peoples always strives to provide the latest technology to give its members the service and internet speeds they need and deserve.

NTCA’s Smart Rural Community program highlights rural broadband providers that connect communities to fiber broadband, enabling them to achieve more together. The program showcases how broadband supports economic development, education, energy efficiency, health care and other critical needs in rural America.

To earn the Smart Rural Community designation, Peoples proved it offers 100 Mbps broadband to at least 50% of its service area, maintains broadband subscription rates of at least 50% and upholds the program’s principles of collaboration and innovation. This recognition means Peoples will be featured online at smartruralcommunity.com and in program materials, joining a nationwide network of innovative communities.

Taking it a step further, Peoples also earned the NTCA distinction of GigCertified Provider. As the company expands its network, it is building with growth in mind. In areas with fiber service, Peoples offers not just gigabit, but multi-gigabit speeds.

“For Peoples, earning the Smart Rural and Gig-Certified designations isn’t just about a badge of honor—it’s about proving our commitment to the communities we serve. These national programs set rigorous standards, and Gig Certified means only providers delivering true gigabit internet can qualify,” Peoples Assistant General Manager Jason Slagle says. “By achieving this distinction, we give our customers confidence that whether they stay here or move to another Smart Rural certified community, they’ll enjoy the same reliable, world-class connectivity that drives opportunity and growth in rural America.”

Peoples board members, from left, Johnny Ziegler, Rodney Whitter, Mike Fowler and Bill Galyean II and Assistant General Manager Jason Slagle take pride in the cooperative earning the designation Smart Rural Community Provider.

NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield recognized Peoples for this achievement. “We are so excited to welcome another Smart Rural Community provider into this growing network of innovative broadband providers delivering the internet’s fastest speeds in some of the most remote and rural communities of our country,” she says. “I applaud Peoples for their commitment to enabling cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation, improve quality of life and promote economic development in their region and nationwide.”

“Peoples’ recognition as both a Smart Rural Community provider and a GigCertified Provider underscores the company’s dedication to connecting rural communities with the broadband they need to thrive,” Jason says.

“By combining high-speed, reliable internet with a focus on innovation, collaboration and community growth, we’re helping to shape a future where rural areas have the same opportunities for education, economic development, health care and technology as urban centers,” he adds. “These achievements reflect not just what Peoples has accomplished, but the promise of what’s to come as we continue to expand its network and empower the communities we serve.”