Closing Out Our Clayton, Herndon, & Kirwin Projects with KOBD
Written by: Friday Otuya
Nex-Tech has provided world-class technology and telecommunications (now broadband) services to the rural communities of Kansas for 75 years. Our team works with small towns to identify locations that need technology services. We work together to develop grant applications, construct the network, and finally maintain the network we build so it’s sustainable.
While this can be said in one sentence, most of the time it takes a few years to develop and complete a fiber broadband deployment project.
On December 4th, 2025, I joined some members of our team to visit with the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) and to close out three of our fiber broadband projects in northwest Kansas. The projects are below.
- Clayton, KS – We received a Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) grant in 2023 to construct a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to dozens of homes and businesses.
- Herndon, KS – We received a Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) grant in 2023 to construct a FTTH network to dozens of homes and businesses.
- Kirwin, KS: – We received a Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG 4.0) grant in 2024 to construct a FTTH network serving dozens of homes and businesses.
With this fiber broadband infrastructure, these towns have a solid platform to leverage various technologies towards their development. With this connectivity, anyone with an idea in the town can access resources around the world to turn it into a project, a business, and more. I am excited about the future of these towns and believe there are better days ahead for the residents, kids, and families in town.
What’s Next?
If you are looking for resources and tools that can help you use your Nex-Tech Internet connection to make money, reach out to me. If you are looking for ideas for a business to start or a project to organize, please also contact me directly at 785-639-8698 / fotuya@nex-tech.com.
There are opportunities in rural northwest Kansas, and with fiber connectivity, together, we can make our communities better.
Connect with Friday
Friday Otuya
Community Engagement Specialist
I'm Friday Otuya /Oh-Too-Yah/. I love sharing development resources, working on initiatives that change lives, and building bridges that lead to prosperity.
Specifically, I originate, underwrite, and deploy capital to small businesses that typically don't fit bank credit criteria. These businesses create jobs and expand economic opportunity in Nex-Tech's service area. I also support Nex-Tech's community and legislative strategy toward making life better through technology.
Before this, I worked in broadcast journalism and corporate communications, and did development finance work across Africa and the U.S.
If you are curious how Nex-Tech can partner with you through loans, grants, donations, or another kind of capital investment, I'd love to chat.
I live with my wife and two lads in Hays, KS.
Call/Text
785.639.8698
Weekdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
econdevo@nex-tech.com