by: Barbara Jenkins

The digital divide is one step closer to being bridged across the Arkansas River Valley, and for the residents of Scranton, fiber internet is more than a promise— it is a reality. 

In March 2024, Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative’s fiber subsidiary, Wave Rural Connect, became available for Scranton citizens as part of ARConnect (ARC) funding. 

For business owner and lifelong resident Frank Vonderheide, Wave Rural Connect is a welcomed addition to his business. 

In 2011, Frank and his wife, Leigh, decided to invest in their hometown community by opening Scranton Truck and Trailer, an auto repair shop that provides locals from across the River Valley with a wide array of automotive services. Although most of the job requires hands-on activity, high-speed internet is a requirement to provide a high level of customer service. 

“We often juggle 15-20 browser tabs, looking up automotive parts, researching service procedures, torque specs and more, since everything is online now,” explains Vonderheide. 

The Vonderheides also use WAVE’s services at their newer business, Nailed It Feed and Supply. Formerly, Davis and Sikes Feed Mill, under the Vonderheides’ management, Nailed It evolved into a feed and farm supply store with plumbing and hardware items. 

Nailed It employees use WAVE’s services to keep up with their inventory, sales reports, invoicing, etc. 

Vonderheide elaborated on the value of WAVE’s high-speed internet and its vast difference from his former internet service. 

“We commonly had to reboot our old router a few times a week because it was so slow or would stop working altogether. Now, with WAVE, we don’t have any issues. It’s quality service all-around.” 

For the Vonderheides, investing in their hometown community is necessary to maintain the quality of life for residents. Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative and WAVE feel the same way. 

Scranton Mayor David Corbitt agrees. 

“When I heard that Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative was going to provide high-speed broadband to the out-of-city-limits cooperative members, I hoped they would come to the town of Scranton too,” shares Corbitt. 

He adds, “It seems like every business in town wanted WAVE.”  

Almost 42% of eligible homes and businesses have transitioned to WAVE since services became available. 

WAVE continues building high-speed broadband internet for homes and businesses across the River Valley. Access to quality internet means more than faster downloads and streaming capabilities. It’s about empowering communities and the people who dedicate their lives to small-town living.