#USA #TDS Telecom #Broadband #Madison, Wisconsin #fiber internet

TDS Telecom Reaches a Major Milestone

On September 3, 2025, TDS Telecommunications LLC (commonly referred to as TDS Telecom) proudly announced that it has crossed a remarkable threshold of 1 million fiber passings. This achievement highlights the company's ongoing commitment to evolving into a fiber-first broadband provider, securing its place among the elite in the telecommunications industry.

Ken Dixon, President and CEO of TDS Telecom, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, "This is more than a number; it reflects our company's drive to create a better world through reliable fiber connections." Reaching the one-million mark grants TDS Telecom membership in a select group of leading fiber providers who are shaping the future of broadband connectivity.

The announcement comes just six months after TDS Telecom revised its long-term fiber target to reach 1.8 million addresses, with an impressive goal that 95% of these would have speeds of at least 1 Gigabit per second. In 2025 alone, the company aims to roll out around 150,000 new marketable fiber service addresses, demonstrating its proactive approach in catering to growing consumer demands for faster internet connectivity.

Expansion Across the Nation

Operating in 31 states, TDS Telecom is engaged in active fiber expansion projects in nearly 100 communities across the country. This strategic growth has been fueled by a blend of private investments and participation in federal programs like the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM). Noteworthy expansion efforts are concentrated in the Pacific Northwest and Wisconsin, where the company is headquartered.

The construction of this expansive fiber network is conducted through partnerships with various construction firms, alongside TDS Telecom's internally developed construction teams. Notably, these internal crews are expected to account for over one-third of the new fiber addressed constructed this year. Dixon praised the internal teams, asserting that their efforts in six of the most active expansion states have yielded impressive results, complementing the company's overall expansion strategy.

Products and Offerings

All internet products offered by TDS Telecom provide symmetrical speeds, meaning that upload and download speeds are the same, which is a crucial feature for customers engaging in activities such as remote work, online gaming, and streaming. TDS Telecom caters to both residential and business customers with various plans available, boasting speeds up to 8 Gigabits per second. Furthermore, businesses seeking dedicated connections have the option for a robust 10 Gig service, assured through a service level agreement. For qualifying customers, TDS provides an affordable product, TDS Connect, to cater to a broad spectrum of consumer needs.

Dixon articulated the vision of the company by stating, "We're not just building a network—we're building a future." He emphasized the importance of fiber internet as the backbone for modern digital infrastructures, including smart homes and advanced business functionalities. As TDS Telecom forges ahead, it remains steadfast on its objective of reaching 1.8 million marketable fiber addresses.

About TDS Telecom

Founded in 1969, TDS Telecom delivers high-speed internet, television entertainment, and phone services primarily for small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the United States. With a current total of 1.1 million connections, the company’s mission is to enhance lives through innovative communication solutions powered by cutting-edge fiber-optic technology. TDS Telecom not only provides internet services but also advanced VoIP solutions and other data networking services for businesses.

TDS Telecom is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS), serving nearly 5 million connections nationwide. With a dedicated workforce of around 3,300 employees, TDS Telecom is committed to facilitating better communication options across the nation while continuously pushing the boundaries of what fiber technology can achieve.