As of October 10, transparency in internet offerings is not just a courtesy; it’s a requirement. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated the use of broadband consumer labels to ensure that customers have clear and understandable information about the providers’ internet options.
Recently, I was in Manhattan KS to attend a regional Advocacy Comment Tour held by the SBA Office of Advocacy in Manhattan, KS. The Office of Advocacy is a designated office within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that advocates for the interests of small businesses, such as Nex-Tech, before the federal government. The tour was meant to gather comments and concerns from small businesses and stakeholders regarding any proposed regulations and other potential federal actions that may impact small businesses.
The Nex-Tech broadband network has long been a game-changer for farms and ranches across Northwest and Central Kansas. Community Engagement Specialist, Friday Otuya, recently visited the LaRosh Farms in Osborne County, KS. He explains how our broadband enables precision agriculture, supports the food production ecosystem beyond Kansas, and forms the bedrock on which many farms and families depend. Indeed, Nex-Tech drives and sustains food security in the nation and beyond.
If your answer is no, then you need to join me on one of my frequent tours. Trust me, it’s a pleasant ride across the wide-open plains and prairies, dotted with farms, ranches, tight-knit communities, and cool people who would wave at you to express their goodwill.
The Kansas Office for Broadband Development (KOBD) and various community stakeholders recently visited Nex-Tech and toured our broadband development project in Saline County, KS. Community Engagement Specialist, Friday Otuya, reflects on community and stakeholder involvement in effective broadband development.
If you are a decision-maker at a rural telecommunications company, you may be wondering how to cope with the end of the ACP program. ACP, or the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, was a federal program that gave a $30 monthly discount to low-income households to help them pay for their internet bills.
Did you know Nex-Tech has two programs that help the local economy across our service footprint?
Nex-Tech gives out loans and grants through:
– The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG) and
– The Nex-Tech Revolving Loan Fund (RLF).
On June 12, 2024, Nex-Tech proudly hosted the Kansas Office for Broadband Development (KOBD) to showcase the ongoing efforts in rural Saline County. Joseph Le, Morgan Barnes and Shelley Paasch from KOBD joined Nex-Tech staff in Salina for a day to view the progress.
For many years Nex-Tech has invested in youth development across northwest and central Kansas. We pioneered the founding of Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) organization). We continue to sow the seeds of community involvement in the minds of youths.
Nex-Tech continues to demonstrate its support for local organizations and institutions, especially in Lenora, KS, where it is headquartered. On May 25th, Friday Otuya of Nex-Tech met with the Lenora High School Class of 1964, who was having their 60th anniversary reunion.