Broadband
WE NEED RURAL SOLUTIONS
About Broadband at Communities Unlimited

We are committed to bringing broadband access to rural communities in our seven state coverage area. Disconnected communities mean disadvantaged communities.
The pandemic exposed the importance of a high-speed internet connection, as many Americans have been forced to live online. Yet, tens of millions of people across the country, especially in rural areas and tribal lands, lack the kind of fast or reliable connection they need for things like work, school and telehealth. Most of the people who lack access to broadband live in rural, remote, low-income and tribal lands. Low population density and geographic barriers may discourage a service provider from offering service to that region.
We're working to overcome these obstacles. Improved broadband means improved opportunities for these communities.
American Connection Corps AmeriCorps Host Site
Communities Unlimited is proud to be a 2023 Host Site for the American Connection Corps AmeriCorps program. 2023 will be the first year that Communities Unlimited has been a Host Site. It is another way that CU’s Community Sustainability Team can work with communities about broadband.
Communities Unlimited began our broadband initiative as part of its Community Sustainability work in 2022 to educate and facilitate bringing broadband internet connection to rural communities across our service area. Increased internet speeds open access to telehealth, online education and remote work opportunities.
More about the American Connection Corps & AmeriCorps Programs
RESOURCES
MEET THE TEAM

Russ Garner

Catherine Krantz

Mark Pearson

Ali Milligan

Jacqueline Carter Houston

Director of Community Sustainability
Russ Garner
Russ Garner started Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2023 as a Community Facilitator on the Community Sustainability Team, promoted to Area Director for Field Operations and is now Director of Community Sustainability. He facilitates community members on projects and funding opportunities to help the communities. He coordinates with strategic partners to implement training and technical assistance to accomplish goals and outcomes for communities and partners with communities and businesses to find funding opportunities, tools, and resources to achieve needs in the community.
Russ has an M.P.P.A. from Mississippi State University and a research and rural development background. Russ received Professional Economic Developer certification from the Community Development Institute in October 2023.
Phone:479.445.2950

Area Director Broadband
Catherine Krantz
Catherine Krantz started working at Communities Unlimited (CU) in November 2022. She is the Area Director for Broadband. Catherine manages the implementation of broadband strategy by developing and submitting grant proposals to ensure accessibility to infrastructure and funding for disadvantaged families in rural communities throughout CU’s footprint. Before coming to CU, Catherine worked as a Broadband Solutions Manager for Connected Nation. Catherine has a B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a M.P.A Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Phone:479.422.4768

Broadband 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
Ali Milligan
Ali Milligan, Broadband Technical Assistance Provider, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in September 2023. As a BTAP, Ali supports communities across CU’s seven-state footprint by assisting with broadband planning. She delivers education, addresses connectivity challenges, and fosters local partnerships to empower residents in advocating for improved internet access and adoption.
Ali began her journey at CU as a Digital Access Coordinator as part of the American Connection Corps/AmeriCorps program. Prior to joining CU, she worked with Mission Texarkana as a Feeding Center Lunch Monitor. Ali earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Southern Arkansas University and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration from the same institution. She lives in Texarkana, Arkansas.
Phone:479.799.5315

Broadband Technical Assistance Provider
Jacqueline Carter Houston
Jacqueline Carter Houston joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in June 2024 as a Broadband Technical Assistance Provider (BTAP). She helps communities with broadband planning, education, and literacy across CU’s seven-state footprint. Jacqueline’s work includes identifying broadband needs, addressing challenges, and facilitating solutions to improve high-speed internet access, adoption, and use.
Before joining CU, Jacqueline was a Project Program Coordinator at the American Diabetes Association in Jackson, Mississippi. She also runs her own business, A Gift of Organizing, providing top-tier organizing and project management workshops. Jacqueline holds an MBA from Mississippi College and a Bachelor’s in Computer & Information Science from the University of Mississippi. She lives in Jackson, MS.
Get In Touch
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