September 24, 2024, Hays, KS – On Thursday, September 12, the first-ever BBQ and Broadband event in Northwest Kansas, hosted by the Communication Coalition of Kansas (CCK) in Hays, brought together industry leaders, customers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of broadband in Kansas. Nex-Tech, Golden Belt Telephone (GBT), and Cunningham Fiber were the featured presenters, each sharing their journey to advance broadband access across the state. The event aimed to engage community leaders, business and residential customers, and representatives from various levels of government to highlight the importance of broadband expansion in strengthening Kansas’ economy.

The event opened with a welcome from Erik Sartorius of CCK, setting the stage for the day’s presentations. Attendees included representatives from the Kansas House of Representatives, Kansas Senate, Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD), Grow Hays, the Hays Chamber, Solomon Valley Economic Development, and Republic County Economic Development.

Throughout the day, Nex-Tech, GBT, and Cunningham Fiber emphasized the critical role that fiber broadband plays in local communities. Each company shared stories about how fiber connectivity has directly impacted their customers’ lives, underscoring the transformative power of reliable, high-speed internet access.

Rhonda Goddard of Nex-Tech kicked off the presentations by discussing the Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) and its importance in funding broadband expansion for companies like Nex-Tech. “In the communications industry, there’s a principle that all Americans should readily have access to advanced communications and broadband service at an affordable rate. And while that’s an easy thing to say, it’s not an easy thing to do,” said Goddard. She emphasized how Nex-Tech, GBT, and Cunningham Fiber have successfully utilized KUSF and grant opportunities to build cutting-edge fiber networks that will serve their communities for generations.

Beau Rebel, General Manager of GBT, echoed this sentiment: “We take a lot of pride in making sure the hardest customer to get fiber to have a connection.” The companies highlighted how their efforts have brought high-speed broadband to even the most rural and remote parts of Kansas.

Kyle Bahr of GBT shared a personal story about how fiber broadband transformed the home of one of his former teachers, who struggled with limited internet access during the pandemic. Today, thanks to GBT’s fiber installation, she and her children now have access to the high-speed connectivity they need. “Her kids felt they were finally on an even playing field because their home was connected,” said Bahr.

Jake Sloan, a Cunningham Fiber customer from Beloit, passionately shared how 1 Gig service changed life for his family. “This changes EVERYTHING, Dad!” Sloan’s son told him after the fiber installation. Sloan credited Cunningham Fiber for giving rural families like his access to a brighter, faster future.

The broadband expansion to rural Beloit was made possible through a partnership with the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) and the Capital Project Fund broadband grant program, which helped reduce initial costs, allowing Cunningham Fiber to bring fiber-to-the-home access to the area.

The event concluded with a fiber splicing demonstration by Nex-Tech and GBT, offering attendees a hands-on look at the technology behind the fiber installation process. The day wrapped up with a BBQ lunch, celebrating the successful collaboration between local broadband providers and the communities they serve.

Nex-Tech, GBT, and Cunningham Fiber are proud to offer 100% fiber-to-the-home services to customers in their regulated local service areas, ensuring that Kansans in rural and urban areas have access to the high-speed internet they need to thrive in today’s digital world.