IdeaTek Helps Bridge the Digital Divide in rural Butler and Marion counties with $900,000 Grant

IdeaTek, a leading fiber internet provider in Kansas, is taking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in Marion and Butler counties thanks to a $900,000 grant awarded by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development.

The grant will fund the construction of approximately 40 miles of new fiber network infrastructure, connecting over 600 residents and businesses — including the previously underserved communities of Elbing, Whitewater and Burns — to reliable, high-speed fiber internet service for the first time. 

The grant award is a critical step forward for Burns, a community of 300 residents, said City Councilman Travis Bailey. Recognizing the urgent need for connectivity, Bailey initiated contact with IdeaTek to explore solutions for the city.

“The City of Burns is thrilled that IdeaTek will be installing fiber-optic internet in our community,” Bailey said. “Quality high-speed internet is vital to a community’s success in today’s online landscape. Connectivity is required from educational opportunities to medical content to business access. We appreciate IdeaTek and the Kansas Office of Broadband Development for the opportunity to ensure rural communities like ours stay connected. Thank you for giving our city a fighting chance to retain and grow into the modern era.”

IdeaTek’s grant is part of the state’s broader effort to expand broadband access to all Kansans. Gov. Laura Kelly announced Friday that IdeaTek was one of 12 recipients in this round of funding, which provides over $10 million in broadband investment to 14 Kansas communities. These areas lacked access to internet speeds exceeding 25/5 Mbps, falling far short of the national standard. 

Community support
James Krstolich, IdeaTek’s Community and Public Relations Manager said collaboration and significant community support was instrumental in securing the grant. 

“The grant is a culmination of months of collaboration to understand the wants and needs of various stakeholders across both Marion and Butler counties,” he said. “That included residents, businesses and schools. This is proof that when counties and cities partner together, innovative solutions can come to fruition. The support of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development is instrumental in our effort to bridge the digital divide in these counties.”

The project’s potential for success is further bolstered by the commitment of matching funds from Marion County, the city of Burns, the city of Whitewater and others, Krstolich added. He emphasized that these matching funds not only demonstrate confidence in the project but also significantly impact how the grant funds can be leveraged.

“Marion County appreciates the importance of high-speed internet access, especially for our rural communities,” said Randy Dallke, County Commissioner. “It will ensure everyone in Marion County has the opportunity to utilize reliable internet service. This is crucial in today’s world, where remote work and online learning are increasingly common. We hope this will stimulate further growth in our county.”

IdeaTek’s grant award is an investment in the future of Butler and Marion counties, said IdeaTek Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Daniel Friesen.

“A dirt road is no longer an excuse for poor broadband service,” Friesen said. “Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe everyone should have access to high-speed fiber internet – no matter where they live. We are prepared to seize every opportunity to provide residents with the connectivity they deserve.” 

Compared to the other awardees, Friesen said  IdeaTek’s project will connect the most residents and businesses. Coupled with IdeaTek’s private investment of nearly $1 million, IdeaTek is proud to be the recipient of this program with the largest number of connected locations and the lowest total cost, continuing our efforts to efficiently utilize Kansas taxpayer dollars.

IdeaTek’s vision for Kansas
Based in Buhler, IdeaTek’s mission is to help deliver fiber internet to every Kansas doorstep, no matter where they live or their situation. This commitment is reflected in their investment of over $175 million in Kansas so far. Celebrating its 25th year this year, IdeaTek has built fiber networks in over 60 communities across the state, from Garden City to Chase County.

IdeaTek has already made significant private investments in both Marion and Butler counties. This includes delivering fiber to Goessel, Benton, Towanda and Augusta.

Building fiber takes time, but soon residents can look forward to:

• Symmetrical upload and download speeds
• Unlimited data
• No throttling, interruptions or lag time
• No annual contracts
• Friendly, Kansas-based customer service

To see if your home is in IdeaTek’s build and to sign up for service, visit hookmeup.ideatek.com.