Announcing the 2026 Broadband Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2026 Broadband Award Winners, who we recognize for their outstanding achievements. Across our customer base, providers go above and beyond in their service to their communities and we are excited to celebrate them all.
The awards were presented at eLation eLevate in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Read on to learn more about each awardee.
Rural Broadband Network Transformation Award:
XIT Communications
The Rural Broadband Network Transformation Award recognizes a provider that has fundamentally transformed its network to deliver future‑ready, fiber‑based connectivity across rural and hard‑to‑serve areas. Honorees demonstrate long-term vision, engineering excellence, and an unwavering commitment to serving communities through sustained infrastructure investment.
Over a 75‑year history—from party lines to fiber‑fast Internet—XIT has consistently led with vision and determination. In 2016, XIT completed fiber‑to‑the‑home across seven low‑density rural exchanges, providing world‑class connectivity in areas once thought impossible to serve. XIT continued that momentum across its CLEC markets and regional routes, and in 2023 achieved a rare milestone: the retirement of all copper plant, becoming a 100% fiber network across its entire service area.
Through decades of careful planning, skilled execution, and dedication from its board, leadership, and employees, XIT has transformed broadband access for the communities it serves—building a resilient, future‑ready network that will support generations to come.
Fiber Milestone Award: RTC Fiber Communications
The Fiber Milestone Award recognizes broadband providers that achieve significant, measurable milestones in deploying fiber infrastructure, particularly where full coverage, long‑term vision, and community impact come together to advance digital equity and economic opportunity.
RTC Fiber Communications is recognized with the Fiber Milestone Award for achieving a landmark accomplishment—100% fiber‑to‑the‑home coverage across Fulton County, making it the first county in Indiana where every home and business has access to fiber broadband. Completed in just three years, this full countywide build reflects RTC’s commitment to serving rural and low‑density areas with the same future‑ready infrastructure as more populated communities.
By delivering equal access to high‑speed connectivity, RTC has expanded opportunity for education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic growth—demonstrating what is possible when local commitment and long‑term vision come together.
The Customer Success Award: United Communications
The award for Customer Success highlights a service provider that is devoted to the subscriber experience with excellent NPS or CSAT scores. Today’s recipient understands the benefits of customer communication and engagement across the customer journey as they strive to exceed the needs of their constituents.
United Communications is recognized with the Customer Success Award for delivering an exceptional, proactive customer experience as it expands fiber service across Middle Tennessee. Serving more than 125,000 locations, United pairs 99.99% network reliability with 24‑7 support, fast response times, and a neighbor‑first service philosophy focused on preventing issues before they reach customers. Through proactive network monitoring, closed‑loop customer feedback, and innovations like its “Tech on the Way” program, United continues to strengthen trust, communication, and customer loyalty—reflected in rising NPS scores and thousands of positive reviews. By consistently listening, responding, and improving, United Communications sets a high standard for customer success in broadband.
The Community Powered Fiber Leadership Award: The Community Agency
The Community Powered Fiber Leadership Award recognizes a community-based broadband provider that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in deploying future-ready fiber infrastructure while maintaining local control, fiscal responsibility, and a deep commitment to the communities it serves. Honorees exemplify how collaboration, strategic planning, and community governance can deliver sustainable broadband solutions that strengthen rural communities.
The Community Agency (TCA) is honored with the Community‑Powered Fiber Leadership Award for its outstanding commitment to locally governed, future‑ready broadband. Formed by the communities of Hartley, Paullina, Primghar, and Sanborn, TCA has spent more than two decades delivering essential communications services with hometown care. From early cable deployment to a successful seven‑year transition to 100% fiber, TCA’s small team completed a full network overbuild without additional city funding—while maintaining affordable, best‑priced services.
Governed by citizen-led boards and committed to keeping revenues local, TCA exemplifies the power of community ownership and collaboration. Through vision, stewardship, and partnership, TCA is helping ensure a better connected future for the communities it serves.
The Workplace Culture and Employee Excellence Award: WCTA
The Workplace Culture and Employee Excellence Award recognizes a broadband provider that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture through meaningful employee recognition, engagement, and teamwork. Honorees empower employees at every level, celebrate customer‑driven excellence, and foster collaboration in ways that strengthen both employee satisfaction and the customer experience.
Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association, WTCA, is recognized for building an engaging, people‑first culture that directly strengthens customer service and community trust. Through creative programs like the long‑running “Give ’Em the Pickle” initiative, peer‑driven recognition, Rock Star awards, and team‑building traditions such as Telecom Olympics, WCTA celebrates employees at every level—from frontline staff to behind‑the‑scenes problem solvers. By making recognition meaningful, fun, and consistent, WCTA has created a workplace where employees feel valued, teamwork thrives, and customers truly notice the difference
