How Netceed Helped DRN ReadyTech Strengthen One of America’s Most Advanced Rural Fiber Networks

A 75-year legacy of connection. A decade of all-fiber infrastructure. And a trusted partnership built to last.

For DRN ReadyTech, the oldest telecommunications cooperative in North Dakota, keeping rural communities connected isn’t just a mission. It’s their identity. For more than seven decades, the cooperative has worked to deliver world-class connectivity across some of the nation’s most challenging, rural terrain. Today, their all-fiber network is considered one of the most robust not only in North Dakota, but across the United States: and Netceed is proud to be part of that story.

A Cooperative With a Vision for the Future

Founded 75 years ago, DRN ReadyTech has always embraced innovation. That commitment led them to accomplish something few providers could imagine at the time: completing 100% fiber-to-the-home for all members by 2012.

“We were the first in the state of North Dakota, and among the first in the nation, to complete 100% fiber to the home,” said CEO & General Manager Kent Schimke. “Growth means a lot to a cooperative like us.”

With fiber as their foundation, DRN ReadyTech has continued to build one of the nation’s strongest rural broadband networks, a network Schimke proudly calls “North Dakota strong.” And as demand for bandwidth, reliability, and future-proof technology grew, the cooperative knew it needed a partner who could help them scale confidently.

The Challenge: Preparing a Rural Fiber Network for the Next Era

Back in 2013, DRN ReadyTech began upgrading its fiber ring infrastructure, a project that required large-scale materials and dependable logistics in a rural region.

The cooperative purchased 4,700 miles of 96-count fiber from Netceed: a foundational investment that still powers their network today.

“That fiber is still in the ground and humming along,” Schimke said. “But in 2023, it was time to upgrade the electronics.”

Their Juniper MX480 routers, installed nearly a decade earlier, had served the cooperative well. But with subscriber needs rapidly climbing and the network continuing to expand, DRN ReadyTech needed a next-generation routing platform and a trusted partner to guide the process.

Why DRN ReadyTech Chose Netceed

For DRN ReadyTech, reliability isn’t optional. Every upgrade must strengthen the network for decades to come. Netceed’s technical expertise, product portfolio, and relationship-driven support helped ensure every decision aligned with long-term sustainability.

“It’s a seamless process, really,” Schimke said. “Netceed gets us in touch with high-level Juniper engineers if we have questions. They help us work with our network engineers to make sure the choices we make are the best choices for long-term sustainability.”

With Netceed coordinating suppliers like Juniper and connecting DRN ReadyTech directly with senior engineering resources, the cooperative was able to:

• Evaluate next-gen routing platforms
• Validate architecture decisions with expert support
• Ensure each upgrade would integrate smoothly into their existing all-fiber footprint
• Reduce uncertainty around long-term performance and scalability

For a small but ambitious rural provider, this kind of partnership was invaluable.

A Network (and Partnership) Built to Last

Schimke’s reflections reveal what makes the DRN ReadyTech and Netceed relationship unique: trust.

“My experience with Netceed? Second to none,” he said. “Extraordinary service. They’re our top vendor and we get second to none when it comes to service.”

After a decade of collaboration across large infrastructure projects, the relationship has evolved far beyond transactional procurement.

“They’re not just vendors we call up,” Schimke added. “We text message about family and friends because they’re family and friends. The Netceed family is part of the DRN ReadyTech family.”

In rural America, where partnerships are built on reputation, trust, and shared commitment, that connection matters.

Keeping Rural Communities Connected for the Next 75 Years

As DRN ReadyTech continues strengthening and expanding its all-fiber network, Netceed remains committed to supporting their growth; supplying the materials, solutions, and expertise needed to keep North Dakota communities connected to the world.

From large-scale fiber deployments to next-generation routing platforms, Netceed is proud to help rural providers like DRN ReadyTech deliver reliable, future-proof connectivity to the people and businesses who depend on it.

We build connections; and together, we’re building the future of rural broadband.