IdeaTek is investing $22 million to expand its fiber-optic network, bringing high-speed internet to 15,000 homes and businesses in south-central Kansas. With speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second, this expansion will support economic growth and innovation while bridging the state’s digital divide.
Buhler, Kansas, United States – October 22, 2024 —
IdeaTek, a leading fiber optic internet provider in Kansas, is accelerating efforts to close the state’s digital divide by expanding its fiber optic network into south-central Kansas. This $22 million investment will bring high-speed fiber optic internet to 15,000 homes and businesses in Andover, Haysville, Winfield and Arkansas City.
The Buhler-based company began construction on its latest projects in August and September. This expansion will provide residents and businesses with internet speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second, setting a new standard for connectivity in Kansas. IdeaTek will also launch a new 5-gigabit package, designed for those who need more bandwidth for gaming, streaming and remote working.
This expansion is an important step in IdeaTek’s mission to provide reliable fiber internet to all Kansans, regardless of their location or circumstances. To date, IdeaTek has invested more than $175 million in fiber infrastructure across the state. In 2024 alone, the company expanded its network to cities such as Mulvane, Derby, Hutchinson, Newton, Augusta, Kinsley, Dodge City and Garden City. By promoting competition in the broadband market, the company strives to create a better Kansas for all residents.
Investing in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. While some providers use the term “Fiber-Powered” to mask outdated technology, IdeaTek is investing in 100% fiber optic connections and offering symmetrical upload and download speeds, improved reliability and scalable capabilities to these communities. IdeaTek also offers affordable prices compared to current, often less reliable, service providers in these cities.
“At IdeaTek, our mission is to bring internet freedom to every part of Kansas by delivering high-speed fiber optic internet where it is needed most,” said Daniel Friesen, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of IdeaTek. “True fiber optic internet is the gold standard in connectivity and lays the foundation for innovation, creativity and progress in today’s digital world.”
Building fiber optic infrastructure takes time, but residents will soon look forward to:
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second
- Unlimited data with no limitation or delay time
- A dedicated fiber optic line to your home for improved reliability
- No annual contracts
- Friendly, Kansas-based customer support
Demand for reliable internet is high throughout Kansas. To see if your home is in IdeaTek’s service area and to sign up for service, visit hookmeup.ideatek.com.
Communal impact
Access to fiber optic internet will bring significant benefits to area residents and businesses, said Arkansas City Manager Randy Frazer.
“IdeaTek’s installation of fiber optic internet in Arkansas City will transform our community and provide every home and business with the opportunity for unprecedented speed and reliability,” said Frazer. “This investment will keep our city competitive and connected, fueling economic growth and improving quality of life. High-speed fiber optic internet opens up new opportunities for innovation, education, employment and seamless digital experiences, benefiting both current and future generations.”
Remote work, online education, telehealth services and precision manufacturing processes all require reliable fiber broadband, said Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall. Fiber is attractive to Kansas cities like Winfield because it provides the infrastructure needed to support future growth and innovation.
“Business investment and expansion is a competitive battle. IdeaTek’s fiber expansion in Winfield is just one more reason for companies to invest here in Winfield,” said Wall.
Celebrating its 25th year in business, IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four friends while attending Buhler High School. Today, the company employs more than 160 Kansans and continues to grow. IdeaTek has deployed more than 6,000 miles of fiber and built 150 fixed wireless towers, serving customers in 100 communities in Kansas.
About the Company: IdeaTek Telcom is a Buhler, Kansas-based broadband service provider with a mission to “fight for Internet freedom.” IdeaTek uses a unique and innovative approach to deploy long-term, scalable fiber infrastructure to bridge the digital divide in Kansas communities. IdeaTek is a champion of broadband equality and is committed to enriching the communities they serve. The company was recently named to Inc.’s Fastest Growing Companies list for the eleventh time. 5000.
Contact details:
Name: Amy Bikkel
Email: Send email
Organization: IdeaTek
Address: 111 Old Ml Ln, Buhler, KS 67522
Website: https://ideatek.com/
Video URL: https://youtu.be/pP2ZkTGaoug?feature=shared
Release ID: 89144199
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