BAND: FRS Tour Highlight Film

Empowering Rural Communities with the Broadband Association of North Dakota

Our recent project with the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND) on the FRS Congressional Broadband Tour was an opportunity to document a pivotal initiative. This tour brought congressional staff to rural communities, offering them an up-close look at the transformative power of rural broadband.

Highlighting Innovation and Redundancy

North Dakota’s broadband journey is a testament to resilience and forward-thinking. Through our video, we captured how BAND’s member companies have built a robust and redundant fiber network, ensuring every community in the state stays connected. This infrastructure safeguards against potential vulnerabilities like ground slides, delivering seamless and reliable service to customers. The footage underscores how this network paves the way for faster speeds and enhanced connectivity.

Bridging Policy and Practice

The goal was to illustrate the connection between policy and real-world impact. By documenting congressional staff engaging with broadband infrastructure—holding fiber optic cables, witnessing installations—the video brings abstract policies to life. This hands-on experience highlighted how decisions made in Washington, DC, directly affect the lives of North Dakotans, making complex concepts tangible and understandable.

Celebrating Collaboration and Commitment

North Dakota’s success in broadband connectivity stems from a history of collaboration. The video showcases how BAND and the Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) have worked together since the mid-90s to build a cooperative framework. Monthly meetings and continuous innovation among BAND members are featured, demonstrating their relentless dedication to serving rural communities and driving technological advancement.

Strengthening Communities Through Teamwork

BAND’s commitment to collaboration was a central theme in the project. Despite the challenges of serving a small population, BAND members unite under a common mission. The footage highlights their collective efforts to advocate for and support their communities, showcasing how teamwork and shared goals ensure every North Dakotan has access to essential broadband services.

Transforming Education and Agriculture

Broadband connectivity is crucial for the future of North Dakota. The video captures how it transforms education and agriculture, featuring testimonials and scenes that illustrate its impact. North Dakota’s leadership in precision agriculture, powered by advanced broadband infrastructure, is a key focus, demonstrating the significant benefits for the state’s agricultural economy.

Advocating for Future Growth

The insights from the FRS Congressional Broadband Tour are invaluable. The video documents how BAND advocates for programs that support rural cooperatives, consumers, and local businesses. By showcasing the diverse needs of states like Montana, Vermont, and North Dakota, it provides a comprehensive perspective for policymakers. This tour is one of the most impactful ways BAND educates and advocates for rural broadband, ensuring continued growth and connectivity.