Aurora Celebrates Hamilton Telecommunications for Being Named a Smart Rural Community^SM Provider

Aurora, NEB ( June 6, 2025) – The community of Aurora today announced that Hamilton Telecommunications was recently named a Smart Rural Community^SM provider by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. NTCA’s Smart Communities are powered by innovative rural broadband providers that believe that by being connected to fiber broadband we achieve more together. The program promotes rural broadband and its role in supporting innovative economic development, effective education, efficient energy distribution and use, state-of-the-art health care and other important issues for rural America.

In order to receive recognition as a Smart Rural CommunitySM provider, Hamilton was required to affirm that it offers 100 Mbps broadband to at least 50% of its service area; that it has broadband subscription rates of at least 50%; and that it is committed to program principles of collaboration and innovation. As a result of Hamilton’s national recognition, Aurora will now be celebrated as a Smart Rural Community, joining a national network of similarly innovative communities.

“The Smart Rural Community principals align well with Hamilton’s commitment to collaboration and innovation,” said John Nelson, CEO of Hamilton. “Gigabit broadband is available to 100% of our subscribers in Aurora and the surrounding communities, no matter how rural. As a result of universal availability and a customer service team that is second to none, broadband adoption has been exceptionally high in the communities we serve.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Hamilton for investing in Aurora and helping us take this big step forward,” said Kelsey Bergen, Executive Director of the Aurora Development Corporation. “With access to fiber broadband, our residents and local businesses can truly participate in today’s digital world—whether it’s learning, working, or growing a company. This kind of connectivity puts Aurora on equal footing with some of the most advanced communities in the country.”

NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield also recognized Hamilton for this achievement, noting, “We are so excited to welcome another Smart Rural Community provider into this growing network of innovative broadband providers delivering the Internet’s fastest speeds in some of the most remote and rural communities of our country. I applaud both Hamilton and Aurora for their commitment to enabling cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation, improve quality of life and promote economic development in their region and nationwide.”

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About Aurora, Nebraska

Aurora, Nebraska, the county seat of Hamilton County, is a thriving community that proudly honors its agricultural roots while embracing a forward-looking blend of technology, entertainment, retail, service and industry. Conveniently located just off I-80, Aurora combines small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it an ideal place to live, work, and grow. For more information about the Aurora Development Corporation, visit growaurora.com.

About NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business.