Improving economic opportunities to rural communities through broadband access

BROADBAND

What We Do

We empower rural communities to thrive in the digital age through broadband education, access, and community-driven outreach.

Digital Literacy Resources

Let's Talk

Name(Required)

About Broadband at Communities Unlimited

Broadband Cables being laid in the country

Communities Unlimited’s broadband program works alongside rural and tribal communities across seven states — Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama — to expand digital access where low population density and distance have discouraged providers.

Communities Unlimited does not sell internet service. Instead, the team works with communities on broadband planning and mapping, digital literacy training for residents, and connections to the funding and providers that make new access possible.

The work meets people where they are — supporting a community as it documents coverage gaps, a resident as they build the skills to get online, or a local government pursuing the grants and partnerships that bring service to unserved areas.

Reliable broadband opens doors to education, healthcare, jobs, and local business growth, and Communities Unlimited works to put that connection within reach of every rural and tribal community it serves.

You can download our Broadband flyer HERE.

“Broadband opens up access to the internet, which, in turn, opens up our community to the world.”

— Dr. Mary Williams, Owner of Urgent & Primary Care of Clarksdale, Mississippi

RESOURCES

MEET THE TEAM

Area Director for Broadband

Catherine Krantz
Ali Milligan
Senior Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Ali Milligan
Mark Pearson
Broadband Interstate Coordinator

Mark Pearson
Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Jacqueline Carter Houston
Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Kaylan Harris
Katy Parrish
Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Katy Parrish

Area Director for Broadband

Catherine Krantz

Catherine Krantz joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2022 as Area Director for Broadband. She leads a team providing broadband planning, technical assistance, and digital opportunity support in underserved communities. Catherine also manages CU’s broadband strategy, including program development, advocacy, and grant funding.

She brings more than 20 years of experience in economic development, nonprofit management, and international business, with over a decade focused on rural broadband. Catherine holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Arlington.

Phone:(479) 422-4768

Ali Milligan

Senior Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Ali Milligan

Ali Milligan joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2023 and is a Senior Broadband Technical Assistance Provider. She supports communities across CU’s footprint with broadband planning, education, and partnership-building to improve internet access and adoption.

Ali began at CU as a Digital Access Coordinator through the AmeriCorps American Connection Corps program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Southern Arkansas University and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. She lives in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Phone:(479) 799-5315

Mark Pearson

Broadband Interstate Coordinator

Mark Pearson

Mark Pearson, Broadband Coordinator, is based in Austin, Texas, and joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2004. Working across CU’s seven-state footprint, Mark helps expand broadband access in underserved communities.

Previously, he worked with local governments and utility boards to improve financial management, regulatory compliance, and public health. He also coordinated with state and federal agencies to address critical infrastructure needs. Mark holds a B.A. in University Scholar/Liberal Arts and an M.S. in Economics from Baylor University, with additional studies at the University of Texas at Austin in public financial management and water resources planning.

Phone:(512) 284-3000

Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Jacqueline Carter Houston

Jacqueline Carter Houston joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2024 as a Broadband Technical Assistance Provider. She supports communities with broadband planning, education, and digital literacy to improve internet access and adoption.

Jacqueline holds an MBA from Mississippi College and a degree in Computer & Information Science from the University of Mississippi. She lives in Jackson, Mississippi.

Phone:(662) 617-2405

Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Kaylan Harris

Kaylan Harris joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2025 as a Broadband Technical Assistance Provider. She supports communities with broadband planning, education, and adoption, working with local leaders to address connectivity challenges and develop community-driven solutions. She also oversees digital skills initiatives.

Previously, Kaylan worked with Mississippi’s Office of Broadband Expansion & Accessibility (BEAM), managing a $10.7 million grant focused on digital skills and access. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Mississippi State University.

Phone:479-422-9290

Katy Parrish

Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Katy Parrish

Katy Parrish joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2020 and now serves as a Broadband Technical Assistance Provider. She supports communities across CU’s footprint with broadband planning, education, and partnership-building to improve internet access and adoption.

Katy previously worked as a Management Consultant on the Entrepreneurship Team. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Phone:(479) 530-4756

BROADBAND STORIES

Our Promise

To partner with people who want to escape from persistent poverty and connect them to solutions for achieving sustainable prosperity.

Our Purpose

Talent is equally distributed across the U.S. and opportunity is not. Access to opportunities should not depend on where you live, how much you have in the bank or what you look like.

Our Approach

Through human connection and ingenuity combined with cutting-edge technology and expertise, Communities Unlimited connects people to solutions that sustain healthy businesses, healthy communities, and healthy lives.

Contact Us
Apply For A Loan
Careers
Pay Your Bill
Board Members

Privacy Policy
Ombudsman
FY25 Audit
FY25 990

Let's stay in touch

Newsletter Signup

Communities Unlimited, Inc.
3 East Colt Square Drive
Fayetteville, AR  72703

P (479) 443-2700
F (479) 443-5036

This institution is an EOE Disability/Veteran employer, provider, and lender.
Persons with speech or hearing impairment may call toll-free 1-800-877-0996 for service in English and Spanish

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development