Pioneer is continuously seeking resources to bring fiber to the residents living in our 1,300 square mile service territory. We have had recent successes with highly competitive grant applications. The most recent (and the largest) are from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS). They will connect 1,576 homes and businesses with fiber bringing the fastest and most reliable broadband to some of our most rural members.
These projects are government-funded. There is a great deal of red tape. For example, we submitted our Community Connect grant application more than two years ago and we are only now on the cusp of beginning construction. The ReConnect 3 grant application was submitted in March 2022 and we have recently started engineering the project.
Each grant has rigorous qualifications. Every grant has different requirements, including what the capable speed at each location is. Some grants only fund locations with less than 10 Mbps/1 Mbps (download/upload). Some only fund locations with less than 25/3. Others less than 100/20. Only eligible locations can be included in the grant application.
When construction begins, the priority is to complete the project in accordance with the grant’s terms and conditions and within the proscribed timeline. Locations that are outside the funded grant project will be evaluated as fiber interests are submitted. Submitting your interest and signing a Fiber Service Authorization form will help us evaluate the need and demand. It also helps Pioneer strategically plan and may prioritize getting you connected to fiber quicker.
Whether your address is a part of a grant fiber build, submit your interest today! Enter your address below for more information.
Learn more about Our Pledge, When Do I Get Fiber?, Why Is It Important to Submit Fiber Interest?, and more!
See Our Fiber Grant Builds Below
DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE, SUBMIT INTEREST BELOW!
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Not all locations outlined in the map above are eligible for grant-funded projects. See Grant Build FAQs for more specific information. Fiber expansion plans and the numerical order in which construction may be completed are subject to change due to a number of factors that can include weather, funding, and supply issues.
ReConnect 3 Grant
This USDA investment will be used to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to connect 1,528 homes and businesses to high-speed fiber internet in Benton, Lincoln, and Polk counties in Oregon. This is a multi-year project and has a total cost of $33,269,343. Pioneer Connect is proud to participate in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline programs that helps eligible households pay for internet service.
PROJECT UPDATES
Application Submitted ✓
Official Notice of Award ✓
Final Grant Documentation Received ✓
Detailed Engineering Starting ✓
Detailed Engineering Complete
Going out to Bid
Construction Starting
Community Connect Grant
This USDA investment in Lane County will be used to build 41 miles of fiber backbone in a portion of the Triangle Lake area and provide 48 grant-eligible homes and businesses with high-speed fiber internet. This multi-year FTTH project is in the first phase and has a total cost of $3,700,000. Pioneer Connect is proud to participate in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline programs that helps eligible households pay for internet service.
PROJECT UPDATES
Application Submitted ✓
Official Notice of Award ✓
Final Grant Documentation Received ✓
Detailed Engineering Starting ✓
Detailed Engineering Complete ✓
Going out to Bid ✓
Construction Starting
Supersonic Speeds & Happy Members!
Pioneer Connect supports our community through their Co-Op. Now with fiber, we are leveraging a future proof connection to enable greater restoration management. Their internet is not only lightning-fast, it’s more reliable, safe, and consistent than the others. We champion supporting local and are more than satisfied with Pioneer Connects services.
“We’re excited to be partnering with the team at Pioneer to enhance broadband speeds to our community and families. Not only will this project change the way our community stays connected, but it will also shape our growth as a district for years to come.”
Opportunities for Our Communities
For over 70 years, Pioneer Connect has proudly supported the communities. We are excited to announce that we are the recipients of multiple grants. This incredible opportunity will help us build a Fiber network prepared for the future of connectivity and a world of possibility.
This will help drive tourism, boost community engagement, and showcase what makes us unique. In turn, driving economics for residents and businesses.
We are committed to our community, promising to deliver consistent, and reliable local service at an affordable price. Our desire is to help our communities thrive, retaining the characteristics that define your area, all while enabling the next generation of Internet.
Submit your interest today, or learn what makes us a cooperative below.