CFU Completes 96 Square Mile Broadband Expansion to Bring High-Speed Internet to Rural Residents

Cedar Falls Utilities is wrapping up a project to bring high-speed fiber optic broadband services to new customers in rural Cedar Falls and the surrounding areas, extending service 96 square miles to more than 880 customers.

CFU received a $2.3 million Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant in 2021 as part of a State effort to bring fiber optic service to areas that did not have access to high-speed internet. The grant funds made the project possible by covering a portion of the construction costs and reducing the high per-customer cost of building a rural system.

“This was a massive undertaking by our Communications Utility," says Susan Abernathy, CFU General Manager.

"We’re pleased to have completed this project to expand service to customers with limited internet options. They now have access to broadband speeds that rank among the fastest in the world.”

Residents Previously Relied on Cellular, Wireless or Satellite Service

Prior to this project, residents in this area relied on cellular, satellite or wireless service. Internet through a direct fiber connection, like CFU's, has latency scores up to 10 times faster than cellular data or wireless or satellite service. 

"With today's reliance on internet to stream, learn or work, fast and reliable internet is vital," says Susan. 

Projects Like this Benefit All Customers

Projects like this that add new customers also help maintain low rates for all customers.

"When we grow our customer base, it reduces the per-customer operations cost," adds Susan. 

"As a public utility, that means more customers are contributing to the cost of operating and maintaining the broadband network and we're able to keep rates low for all customers."