Prague recognized as smart rural community | Local News

About 50 community members gathered on Tuesday morning when Prague was recognized as a smart rural community.

The Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company (NNTC) honored the village in Saunders County during an event at the Kolache Korner.

NNTC is a provider of telephone, Internet and television services.

The special designation comes from the Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) in conjunction with NNTC, the company said in a press release.

“It was great to get out and be face to face with our member customers in Prague today. We get new ideas and different perspectives from our phone co-op owner customers through visits like this” , Pat McElroy, CEO of NNTC, told the Tribune.

Recognition is given to broadband communities who see the importance of broadband internet as a way to connect and grow through the capabilities of:

  • expanded online education
  • remote work
  • telehealth
  • agricultural technology
  • economic development
  • government services
  • Safety and security.

People also read…

Prague is a community that can enable technology for everyone who lives and works there.

At a time when the government in Nebraska and the United States is investing millions to help bridge the “digital divide,” Prague enjoys the same fiber speeds as urban areas like Lincoln and Omaha.

“Presenting Prague with the Smart Rural Community designation means more opportunities to connect people in a rural part of Nebraska,” McElroy said. “Saunders County is perfectly located for people who want to work remotely from Omaha and Lincoln and our fast fiber internet makes that happen.”

The presentation is part of the NNTC Open House for 2022.

About 50 community members attended the open day in Prague. All NNTC communities will receive this designation at a later date.

NNTC serves 30 communities in 24 counties in northeast Nebraska.

Berta D. Wells