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Showcase Your Extraordinary Achievements

The Smart Rural CommunitySM  (SRC) Showcase Awards are annual awards presented to SRC providers to recognize their extraordinary achievements in promoting rural broadband networks and their broadband-enabled applications in rural communities. Rural broadband providers are awarded based on their ability to demonstrate the use of these technologies to enable innovative solutions in agriculture, economic development, education, health care and other vital services that enrich thriving rural communities.

Showcase Winners
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative
Rainsville, AL
Area Served:
800 square miles
Population:
86,000

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative helped launch the High-Tech Connect Center, providing digital literacy, computer skills and ESL training in an underserved community. The center helps residents build technology skills, expand their education and access online resources. 

Garden Valley Technologies
Erskine, MN
Area Served:
4,700 square miles
Population:
38,906

Garden Valley Technologies partnered with local schools to give students hands-on experience in broadcasting, video production and digital media while helping the cooperative produce hundreds of live broadcasts. The initiative keeps rural residents connected to local schools, sports, churches and community events while helping students build valuable career skills. 

3 Rivers Communications
Fairfield, MT
Area Served:
15,000 square miles
Population:
40,000

3 Rivers Communications has awarded nearly $160,000 to schools and libraries to expand access to technology and digital learning opportunities. The cooperative also provides grants, scholarships to students and teachers to help sustain education across its rural service area. 

Surry Communications
Dobson, NC
Area Served:
500 square miles
Population:
83,400

Surry Communications worked with local leaders to deploy a free community Wi-Fi network throughout downtown Mount Airy, helping visitors, businesses and event organizers stay connected. The network enhances tourism, supports local commerce and strengthens public safety communications during community events. 

Dakota Central
Carrington, ND
Area Served:
4,000 square miles
Population:
25,247

Dakota Central provides the connectivity that supports rural healthcare, education and economic development across central North Dakota.  The cooperative supported a a gaming event that helps make technology more accessible for individuals with disabilities. 

SEE MORE WINNER PROFILES

 

SHOWCASE YOUR WORK

The Year’s Biggest Opportunity to Celebrate Your Accomplishments 

As a Showcase winner, your company will be: 

  • Recognized at the annual NTCA Fall Conference
  • Highlighted as a Showcase Award winner across NTCA's media channels, including the annual Smart Rural Community calendar

HOW TO APPLY

The application process for the 2026 Showcase Awards is now closed.

If you have questions about the application process, contact smartrural@ntca.org. 

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply for the Showcase Awards?

Any current NTCA member may apply for a Showcase Award, but must join the SRC program before an award is given. 

Who reviews applications?

Applications are reviewed by the members of the Smart Rural Community Advisory Council and other experts in fields including rural education, economic development, agriculture, and healthcare. NTCA staff serves an administrative role to ensure a comprehensive review process but does not score applications.

When are the winners announced?

Winning applications are announced at the NTCA Fall Conference; applicants will be notified of the status of their applications in late summer.