Did you know that over 5 billion people are connected to the Internet globally? 1
Did you know that in just 5 years almost 8 billion people will be using the Internet? 1
Come to think of it, the Internet has made the world a small place. Today a child in Osborne can be connected to learning opportunities anywhere in the world. A business in Norton can create opportunities right here and the world will know about it. A mom in Hill City can take courses online, get her diploma, and land a good job, all from the comfort of her home. A Vlogger from Hoxie can create content on social media about the great life we have in northwest Kansas and share it with people in faraway places in Asia and Europe. And of course, a young man from Africa who used the Internet to somehow land in America, would use the same Internet to learn about life in Kansas and choose to come to live and work in Northwest Kansas for Nex-Tech. 😊
Friends, the truth is when people are connected, economic opportunities are created, our lives are enriched, and our communities are uplifted. That is why everyone needs to be connected. At Nex-Tech, we are working round the clock to ensure that communities in Northwest and Central Kansas remain a part of this global success story. The Internet and technology are changing lives and improving rural communities; and we are happy to be part of it.
But to many users in our communities, the digital divide is not just one of connectivity, it’s also one of insufficient digital literacy skills and know-how. We all agree that parents, children, senior citizens, farmers, traders, workers, students, retirees, and practically any average citizen who wants to make their life better use the Internet. Now we need to provide them with the knowledge and skills to safely, successfully, and productively navigate the digital world. This is why we have kicked off the Nex-Tech Academy.
The Nex-Tech Academy is a training program designed for the end user of the Internet. It is a learning program for anyone to gain basic digital skills. As daily life inevitably becomes more intertwined with the Internet, people around the Nex-Tech footprint will continue to learn how to navigate various aspects of the digital world. The Nex-Tech Academy will provide a warm, respectful, and supportive learning environment for everyone and anyone. All manner of questions regarding the Internet and the digital world are welcome and answers will be provided. Participants will walk away with practical skills that they can begin to use immediately!
We hope that this effort will help people to better navigate the Internet with confidence and widen the pool of opportunity available to the individuals and communities we serve. 
Below, you will find stories, news, and updates from across our footprint. You will discover where we are currently building fiber broadband, and a form where you can share your feedback with us, so we can know how to serve you better.
Nex-Tech is thrilled to announce the award of a $637,000 grant to establish a state-of-the-art fiber optic Internet infrastructure in the city of Kirwin, Phillips County, Kansas. Learn more about this story.
The Nex-Tech broadband network has long been a game-changer for farms and ranches across Northwest and Central Kansas. In a recent visit to LaRosh Farms in Osborne County, we learned how Nex-Tech broadband enables precision agriculture, supports the food production ecosystem beyond Kansas, and forms the bedrock on which many farms and families depend. Learn more about this story.
We continue to build fiber broadband because it is reliable, it is dependable, and it is an investment into the future of the community. One of our most impactful projects is the deployment of fiber broadband to McCarty Farms in Rexford, KS. Check out how we are enhancing their operations: Learn more about this story.
For many years, Nex-Tech has supported rural communities across our service footprint. Today we continue to do so by offering advice and guidance to local leaders on innovative ways to foster development. Here is an innovative engagement cycle that could lead to community progress on local issues. Learn more about this story.
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. Assistant Chief Counsel, David Mullis visited Nex-Tech offices in Hays and Victoria to get a feel for how Nex-Tech serves customers and communities, as well as hear our perspective on government policies that Nex-Tech would like to see improved upon. Learn more about this story.
$5,000 Community Grant Update
Nex-Tech was honored to receive over 30 applications for this grant.
Solomon Valley Beavers 4-H Club, Smith Center
Crayons for Classrooms, Norton KS
Cuba Cash Grocery Store/Republic County Economic Development
First United Methodist Church of Great Bend
Hoxie Recreation Grainfield Community Development Committee (GCDC)
Republic County Economic Development, Belleville
USD 327, Ellsworth
Anchor Point Support Foundation, Hays
Splash Pad for Stapleton - Village of Stapleton, Nebraska
Hill City Grade School, Hill City
Decatur County Sportsman's Association, Oberlin
Bobs of Mankato, Mankato
Stockton Rodders, Inc., Stockton
Graham County Community Development, Hill City
Second Street Cafe, Resale & Pub, Natoma
Topside Manor of Sherman County, Goodland
Coronado Area Council Scouting America, Salina
Heartland Community Foundation, Hays
Hoxie Recreation, Hoxie
Lenora Public Library, Lenora
USD 316 Golden Plains Elementary, Rexford
Wallace County Arts & Culture Association
Phillipsburg Golf Course, Phillipsburg
Switch Youth & Family Center, St. Francis
The City of Lebanon, Lebanon
Sunporch of Smith County, Inc, Smith Center
USD 294--Oberlin, KS
Republic County Economic Development, Belleville
Plainville Recreation Commission, Plainville
City of Goessel
Buffalo Park Community Development, Park KS
Jana's Campaign, Inc., Hays
Rawlins County Core Community, Atwood
Clyde In Action/City of Clyde
We are grateful for the many spirited developmental initiatives that are taking place across our footprint. Kudos to all stakeholders and let’s keep the fire burning!
While not all submitted applications meet the grant requirements, all eligible applications have been submitted to the Foundation for Rural Service. All applicants will be notified in November regarding the status of their application.
Current Loans: Nex-Tech continues to support businesses and entrepreneurs through our Revolving Loan Fund and our Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG). Learn more about these programs.
Some News & Happenings
In August, we were honored to receive the prestigious Community Impact Award from the Fiber Broadband Association. With over 8,100 miles of fiber serving 70+ communities, Nex-Tech continues to connect rural Kansas with Gig-speed broadband, supporting education, healthcare, and local businesses. Read News Release.
Fun is a BIG part of the Nex-Tech Way. Check out this Facebook Post to learn more.
Broadband Development (KOBD) to demonstrate the significant advancements in rural broadband infrastructure in Saline County. Read News Release
On Thursday, May 30th, we celebrated the aspirations of three promising students, marking a milestone in their journey with a signing day event. These students, beneficiaries of the Technology Education Sponsorship, took a leap towards their future tech careers at Nex-Tech. Read News Release
Please check out stories of some of what we have been up to in our communities.
Our staff was on hand during the Kansas State Fair to discuss Nex-Tech services and root for participants to take home the top prize in our football toss! Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless also took the stage each night to open up the performances with a t-shirt giveaway!
Watch for the Nex-Tech crew at a parade near you! We'll be in Hays, Salina, and other communities that we serve during homecoming season this fall!
Sights of Western Kansas: This section showcases the serenity, tranquility, and beauty of various locations across western Kansas. For those of us who call the region home, we are grateful for the blessings that we enjoy. 😊
Friday Otuya /əoTU:ya:/ drives our multifaceted community economic development efforts and is the Nex-Tech contact for all our loan and grant programs. His vision is to position Nex-Tech as the community economic development partner of choice in Kansas for federal, state, and local stakeholders. He lives with his wife and son in Hays, KS.
Nex-Tech, 145 N Main, Lenora, KS 67645, 877-625-7872
