WEST BEND — TDS, a rapidly-growing technology company, hosted its grand opening ceremony at 9 a.m. Thursday morning at their offices at 260 N 18th Ave. in West Bend.
According to information from their website, TDS is powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, delivering up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, data networking, and hosted-managed services.
Daniel Dersé, associate manager of field marketing in West Bend, cut the ribbon on this new location, officially opening it to the public. Dersé expressed excitement about the company’s newest project, bringing fiber-optic services to the West Bend area.
“It’s a big job,” said Dersé. “It’s three or four years in the making, and we’ll build this completely underground, fiber-optic infrastructure that will last for generations.”
When completed, the all fiber network will serve nearly 14,000 homes and businesses in West Bend, with speeds up to 8Gig. This ultra-fast connection means customers can download and upload files — regardless of size — nearly instantaneously, making it well suited for commercial customers as well as households with large, shared internet needs.
Dersé, who grew up around Washington County, spoke highly of the area, commending its supportive community.
“This area, I’ve always felt is the perfect confluence of volunteerism and business acumen,” said Dersé. “I see it all the time. The volunteerism aspect of West Bend is phenomenal.”
An addition to the ribbon-cutting, TDS West Bend Store is also accepting donations for a toy drive for the Youth & Family Project’s Gingerbread House. Dersé kicked off the fundraiser by donating $500 worth of toys to the cause.
“We are also partnering with Servpro to help benefit the Youth and Family Project and the Gingerbread House,” said Dersé.
According to Dersé, there are various drop boxes around the area for people to bring toys and money to and support these organizations, like Bank Five Nine and the West Bend Community Memorial Library.
