BendBroadband officially becomes TDS

After eight years as part of the TDS Telecom family, BendBroadband has formally rebranded to TDS while keeping its strong local presence in Central Oregon.

“From the beginning, the core values of TDS and BendBroadband have been very aligned. While the logo and name may be changing, our mission to serve the community remains the same. We are proud to take this step and build on our major investments in Central Oregon,” President and CEO Jim Butman said.

Customers may notice small differences like the logo change at the top of customer communications, signage on buildings and refreshed uniforms. But TDS expects the change will allow for greater business efficiencies so it can provide better products and services. Already, TDS has eliminated all data caps for Central Oregon customers and is providing free speed upgrades for customers below TDS’ minimum speed offerings.

Since acquiring BendBroadband in 2014, TDS has invested more than $70 million to upgrade its network and give Central Oregon residents ultra-fast internet, with speeds up to 1Gig. TDS will continue to aggressively invest in the community and remain active in supporting local nonprofits with sponsorships and grants.

“Central Oregon and our local associates are a special part of our company,” Butman said. “Nearly 250 TDS associates live in the region and work hard every day to make their communities a better place.”

Through company sponsorships, associates have been a mainstay at community events like Bend Fall Festival and Latino Fest. Recently, associates spurred a donation of money and goods to Central Oregon Veterans Outreach Center to honor Safeway shooting victims.

The name change officially took effect Nov. 15. Residents may have noticed TDS teasing the change through new TDS-branded trucks and uniforms earlier this year.

Since its founding in 1969, TDS Telecom has helped residents and businesses of all size with their communication needs. TDS delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to more than 1,100 rural and suburban communities across the United States. TDS employs 3,100 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.