The Broadband Deployment Program bringing fiber to more of Malheur County.
Telecommunication Companies participating in this huge project.
• Farmers Mutual Telephone
• Oregon Telephone/Pine Telephone/Home Telephone (dba Rally Networks)
FMTC General Manager, Ron Rembelski shared his thoughts with those gathered for this ground breaking event.
Good morning, everyone.
Farmers Mutual Telephone Company has proudly served the residents of the surrounding area for 117 years, and through every chapter of our history, one thing has never changed, our commitment to bringing the latest communications technology for the betterment of the communities we serve.
On October 2nd at exactly 7:19 pm, after a long and detailed application process, I received an email from the Oregon Broadband Office with the words we’d all been hoping to hear, their recommendation to award FMTC’s application.
That award totaled $18.9 million to provide service to 931 locations.
As part of the Oregon Broadband Office’s grant announcement, FMTC will be bringing state-of-the-art fiber optic broadband and communications services to rural areas outside of Ontario, Oregon, starting north of Nyssa, through Cairo Junction, and up toward the Ontario Bench, ending just past the Centennial bridge leaving Payette.
This funding, made possible through the federal Capital Projects Fund, will deliver fiber coverage to an unserved and underserved part of Oregon, enabling opportunities in remote work, education, telehealth, entertainment, and so much more.
Since signing the grant agreement in January, we’ve been pushing forward on every front:
• We’ve identified and staked the construction route.
• We’ve submitted countless applications for permitting and right-of-way with federal, state, and local authorities.
• We’ve completed detailed engineering plans and specifications that resulted in project that will place 150 miles of fiber optic cable.
We’ve now awarded the construction contract to Mastec North America, Inc., with work scheduled to start later this month. Construction will begin in Ontario, moving along SW 18th , north and south on Highway 201, and then
onto the county roads. We’re coordinating with all entities for a smooth construction process, for example we are timing the installation with local irrigation districts to work around canals and waterways after the water is turned out this fall.
As with all big projects, we’ll work with the seasons. Once the ground freezes in late November, we’ll pause, then pick right back up in the spring, aiming to complete the project in August of 2026.
We are honored to have this grant funded and are dedicated to delivering the best broadband and communication service possible through a world-class fiber network.
I want to express my gratitude to:
• The Malheur County Court, Blake and I have met with you often, and we appreciate your continued support.
• The Ontario Chamber, City of Ontario, Malheur County Economic Development, and the Snake River Economic Development Alliance for their letters of support during the application process.
And to everyone who has stood up for rural Malheur County, fought for funding, and believed in our vision, thank you.
This investment in fiber connectivity is more than just infrastructure. It is a foundation for economic growth, educational opportunity, healthcare access, and innovation for decades to come.
Today, we take the first step toward that future. Let’s break ground — and let’s build something that will keep our communities connected for the next 117 years and beyond.
Thank you.
