Expanding Fiber Internet to More Kansas Communities! Open to read more...
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Nex-Tech
Oberlin

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”

- Stephen Covey

Expanding Fiber Internet to More Kansas Communities

Friends and stakeholders of Nex-Tech,

 

For more than 70 years, Nex-Tech has connected thousands of families and businesses across western Kansas with world-class technology. Regardless of the many changes in our world, today we continue to keep the same focus – connecting the people of Kansas to world-class technology that opens doors and unlocks opportunities for all. 

 

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss our plans to expand our fiber network to serve the people of Oberlin, KS. On behalf of the Nex-Tech team, we are grateful for our communities and customers, and we are committed to providing the state-of-the-art fiber infrastructure to allow you to grow and evolve. 

 

In this newsletter, you will read examples that show projects in and around rural Kansas as we advance fiber connectivity. If you ever need my assistance, feel free to send me a message here. 

 

 - Jimmy Todd, CEO Nex-Tech

Community Updates

  • Good news for the people of Oberlin, KS! We will be starting construction of a fiber Internet network this year. And, watch for our new store opening soon at 217 N Penn Ave. Read more here.

  • Our youth are the future, and we are preparing them for success in the broadband and technology industry through internships, sponsorships, and scholarships. Learn more.

  • Are you thinking of a small-scale town project for kids, seniors, the library, the local 4-H group, etc.? How about planting trees, mural projects, refurbishing the town’s signpost, repainting an older building, and more? There might be some money to help here.

  • We are pushing to eliminate the rural-urban digital divide in Kansas. Through an invitation by the NTCA, Friday Otuya had a chat with students at the University of Michigan. Learn more.

  • Tim Brush is the newest member of our Board of Directors. Tim is the President and CEO of Brush Art Corporation in Downs, KS. Learn more about him.

Did You Know?

 

Did you know that Nex-Tech's fiber broadband serves:

  • Over 25,000 Households
  • Over 5,000 Businesses
  • Over 30 School Districts
  • Over 15 Hospitals
  • Over 30 Libraries
  • Over 20 Fire Departments
  • Over 20 Childcare Centers 

Open Community Funding

 

  • Nex-Tech Revolving Loan Fund

  • Kansas’ Town’s Grant

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Distance Learning and Telecommunications Grant

  • Explore our donations and sponsorship page for consideration in 2025.
Nex-Tech Academy

In January, we trained over 250 eighth and tenth-grade students from Ellinwood, Chase, Otis-Bison, and Central Plains; all in Kansas.

 

Are you interested in putting together a training for your group or community? Request Nex-Tech to organize a training here:
https://www.nex-tech.com/community/academy/

Nex-Tech Academy
Nex-Tech Academy

Special Feature

 

Our CEO Jimmy Todd was recently featured in Fiber Forward Magazine. The story highlights some very important issues relating to rural development in America. Click on the image to read.

Fiber-Forward-2024

Grants: We continue to look for and apply for grants to help us serve our communities better. Here is a sneak peek into what goes into the grant process. Read here.

NREDA: What is NREDA and what do they do? If you love western Kansas this one will interest you. Read here.

Spreading the Word about Smart Technology Solutions

Every town or city we serve with fiber broadband is a smart rural community. This means Nex-Tech enables better, quicker, faster, and improved ways of life with our technological solutions.

 

City officials, let's leverage our fiber networks to attract businesses and recruit top talent to our community!

The City of Morland, KS

Morland, KS

The City of WaKeeney, KS

WaKeeney, KS

Hill City, KS

Hill City, KS

Does your town/city have Nex-Tech fiber broadband for residents?

Would you like a free Nex-Tech sign and certificate to advertise this?

 

If the answer is 'Yes', complete this form to request a Smart Rural Community Sign and Smart Rural Community Certificate.

The Northwest Kansas Travel Council has released a new Travel Guide to Northwest Kansas.

 

Curious about fun spots and relaxation areas in the region?

Check this out!

“Salina Public Library is proud to utilize Nex-Tech's broadband, which enables us to maintain efficient library operations and provide exceptional service to our community. With reliable high-speed internet available 7 days a week, we meet the needs of our patrons by supporting learning, job searching, and access to a wide range of digital resources. Broadband connectivity empowers the library to grow and adapt, ensuring we remain a dynamic and invaluable resource for the Salina community.”  


– Melanie Hedgespeth, Director of Salina Public Library

Salina-Community-Report

The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps Nex-Tech to deploy networks, maintain networks, and keep rates affordable. The USF supports critical connections for low-income families, schools, libraries and healthcare facilities. Learn more about why USF is critical to your community by clicking the image below.

USF

Upcoming Community Events

  • February 22 - Kearney Basketball sponsorship. We’re tossing out 100 T-shirts!

  • February 21 – Cocoa Crawl in Salina – We sponsor the hidden in-store gift certificates for attendees.

  • February 26 - USD #305 Growing Greatness Award. Nex-Tech sponsors this award in Saline County.

  • March 12 and 13 - Nex-Tech will join the Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (WKREDA) in Concordia, KS for our Quarterly Meeting.

  • March 27 - USD #305 Growing Greatness Award. Nex-Tech sponsors this award in Saline County.

  • April 3 – Nex-Tech Chamber Business After Hours in Salina. In this event, we will update the community on what we are doing in the coming year and where we are with our fiber builds.

  • April 6 – Salina Liberty – We will be on-site with a booth.

Sights of Western Kansas: Bird City, Cheyenne County, Kansas. 

 

I was struck by the building’s rock design. Bird City is just 3 hours from Denver along U.S. Highway 36, between St. Francis and Atwood, KS. Check out the spot the photo was taken. The building is open to the public. Do plan a visit. 😊

Bird-City
Nex-Tech CEO, Jimmy Todd, engaging with Clayton residents recently.
Nex-Tech CEO, Jimmy Todd, engaging with Clayton residents recently

Want to know where we are currently building fiber networks?

Check out our fiber builds here.

Thank you for reading this month's newsletter! Have comments, ideas, or opportunities to share? Just hit reply – I'd love to hear from you!

Friday Otuya

Friday Otuya
Community Engagement Specialist

785-639-8698 / econdevo@nex-tech.com

Nex-Tech, 145 N Main, Lenora, KS 67645, 877-625-7872

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