Range proudly announces it has achieved Operation IFAST Certification, a designation awarded to companies that demonstrate a deep commitment to combating domestic sex trafficking through employee training, community collaboration, and financial investment.
Operation IFAST, Internet Service Providers Fight Against Sex Trafficking, is a national initiative by Guardian Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and disrupting the sex trafficking of women and children across the United States. Through IFAST Certification,
companies commit to three core pillars: training employees to recognize and report trafficking indicators, connecting local law enforcement with Guardian Group’s advanced analytical resources, and investing annually to fund Guardian Group’s mission.
By completing the rigorous certification process, Range joins a growing network of companies nationwide that are taking proactive steps to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen their communities.
“This certification reflects our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting the communities we serve,” said Rob Johnstone, CEO at Range. “This training gives our employees the tools to recognize red flags and take safe, appropriate action that could help protect vulnerable individuals in our rural communities.”
Jeff Keith, CEO and Founder of Guardian Group, praised Range for its leadership and impact:
“IFAST Certification represents more than awareness; it reflects action, accountability, and leadership. Companies like Range are proving that the private sector can play a powerful role in disrupting trafficking and protecting the most vulnerable. Their commitment directly fuels real-world impact, and we are honored to partner with them.”
Through its IFAST commitment, Range has trained its workforce, established local law enforcement connections with Guardian Group’s free analytical resources for trafficking cases, and invested $1,591 annually to support Guardian Group’s national efforts. To learn more about Operation IFAST and IFAST Certification, visit www.guardiangroup.org/operation-ifast.
About Range
Range, a leader in technologically advanced communications solutions for residential, business, and wholesale customers, serves over 14,200 broadband subscribers in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. With office locations in Forsyth, MT, Sheridan, WY, Worland, WY, and Dubois, WY, Range operates over 4,700 miles of fiber-optic network and employs more than 160 experts with expertise in engineering, construction, project management, operations, and network maintenance. For more information about Range, please visit www.range.net.
About Guardian Group
Guardian Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preventing and disrupting the sex trafficking of women and children in the United States. Guardian Group’s Project 1591 program utilizes Open-Source Intelligence to identify potential victims of trafficking to law enforcement partners for action. Their Operation IFAST program equips frontline industries with the tools to recognize and report trafficking in an observation-only manner, strengthening public-private collaboration to protect vulnerable individuals and bring them to safety. Learn more at www.guardiangroup.org.
