Ritter Communications is investing $12 million in fiber internet services and advanced cloud solutions for businesses in the Arkansas River Valley region, the company announced Tuesday.
The Jonesboro-based broadband provider will be working in four River Valley cities beginning with Alma and Ozark in August and followed by Fort Smith later this year and Van Buren in the first quarter of 2022.
“Access to quality broadband internet is a must-have for all Arkansas businesses. Our highly-advanced internet services utilize the latest technology to provide rural communities with the most reliable and affordable broadband connectivity,” said Ritter Communications CEO Alan Morse in a statement. “As we continue our efforts to close the digital gap in Arkansas, Ritter Communications looks forward to bringing our 100 percent fiber, state-of-the-art broadband internet services to the River Valley business community.”
New business customers will also have access to the new Ritter Communications Data Technology Center, the company said. To celebrate the introduction of its services to the region, Ritter is contributing $5,000 to the Morgan Nick Foundation of Alma.
“The Morgan Nick Foundation is grateful for the generous donation from Ritter Communications. We thank them for contributing to a cause that is so important to us,” Colleen Nick, CEO and founder of the foundation, said. “The $5,000 donation will help us continue our efforts to protect the innocent by educating our communities on child safety, and empowering our children with essential safety knowledge and skills.”
As planning for the River Valley region continues, construction is underway in Fort Smith with company crews working in the area through the summer, according to a press release.