ReadiTech invests in fiber optic network in three North Dakota communities

By Prairie Business

ELLENDALE, N.D. • ReadiTech, a DRN company, has begun construction of a $30 million fiber optic infrastructure capable of providing 10G internet within the city limits of Casselton, Horace, and Mapleton.

The company, in making the announcement, said this advanced telecommunications network will be the tool that fosters innovative economic development, education, telemedicine, and other vital services for these rural communities.

The fiber optic construction project includes building a central office in Horace, which will house the state-of-the-art technology equipment needed to provide telecommunication services to local subscribers.

ReadiTech broke ground on the new office complex, located at 434 Main St. N. in Horace, in late July. The new facility will be home to ReadiTech’s engineering, fiber and managed IT services.

“The future of fiber optic broadband has limitless potential to drive growth and economic development,” said DRN ReadiTech CEO and General Manager Kent Schimke. “We are proud to be the first to bring 10-gig capable Internet service to Horace, Casselton, and Mapleton.

It is an honor to not only be accepted by these cities but recognized as a partner in helping build strong and prosperous rural communities.” While having access to gigabit speeds with fiber optic technology will be new to the residents in the serviced areas, DRN ReadiTech is already providing up to 10 gig Internet to residents in south-central North Dakota. DRN, ReadiTech’ s parent company, has a long history of bringing the latest and greatest telecommunication services to its customers. In 2012, DRN was the first in the state to complete fiber to the home infrastructure.

According to Schimke, the Horace fiber optic project will begin serving subscribers in areas where construction is complete as soon as this fall. An estimated completion date for the entire city of Horace is fall 2022. Construction in Casselton is nearing its finish and technicians are actively connecting customers to the fiber optic network.

In Mapleton, the fiber project was slated for completion in August.

“I am excited and very happy for the opportunity to provide the most reliable, fast and state-of-the-art fiber optic broadband services to the communities of Casselton, Horace, and Mapleton,” Schimke said.

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