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EMPORIA, Kansas – A faster, more connected future is coming to Emporia. IdeaTek is making a $14 million investment to deliver a blazing-fast, 100% fiber network to the city, setting a new standard of connectivity.
The Buhler-based internet provider will deliver unlimited, uncapped speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second — cutting-edge performance that is far beyond what other providers can offer. The project will give 10,000 homes and businesses the reliability and bandwidth they need for generations to come.
Mayor Erren Harter applauded IdeaTek’s commitment to bring fiber internet to Emporia, calling it a great step toward community growth.
“In today’s world, dependable high-speed internet is essential to how we live, learn and work,” he said. “Emporia is fortunate to already have strong connectivity, but IdeaTek’s expansion brings valuable benefits — added network resilience, greater consumer choice and a stronger foundation for future growth. This kind of infrastructure investment helps keep our community competitive and connected.”
Construction in Emporia is set to begin immediately with the first neighborhoods connecting this fall. Residents can learn more about our services and pricing at ideatek.com
Unlike some providers that use terms like “Fiber-Powered” to disguise outdated technology, IdeaTek delivers true 100% fiber connections. Fiber offers symmetrical speeds, unmatched reliability, and scalable capacity—all at more affordable pricing than many existing providers.
“At IdeaTek, we’re committed to bringing our high-speed fiber internet to every corner of Kansas, and we’re excited to make it a reality in Emporia,” said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s co-founder and chief innovation officer. “True fiber internet is the gold standard in internet connectivity. We believe everyone deserves the best possible online experience, whether you’re casually browsing or online gaming, our fiber network delivers unparalleled reliability. IdeaTek’s ultimate goal is to provide fiber to all Kansas residents because fiber is hands-down the best technology for high-speed broadband.”
Friesen added, “We’re so confident you will prefer our service over others that we don’t require contracts. We’ll provide you with the best service, so we’re not worried about you leaving.”
IdeaTek has already been working to establish a strong presence in Emporia as part of its broader vision to bring true fiber internet to underserved Kansas communities. Earlier this summer, IdeaTek celebrated a groundbreaking — in partnership with the State of Kansas — for a new middle-mile fiber project that will enhance connectivity statewide and tie into key anchor institutions, including Emporia State University. IdeaTek began building the Freestate Middle Mile Network this summer.
Emporia residents can soon enjoy:
100% Fiber Network – A pure fiber network, designed for speed, reliability and future growth.
Symmetrical uploads & downloads – Speeds up to 2.5 gigs – fast speeds only fiber can provide.
Unlimited Data – Fiber can carry infinite amounts of data, and we won’t charge you for usage.
Reliability – IdeaTek fiber delivers a consistent, high-speed connection, even during peak hours—something coax cable can’t match.
No contracts – Stay because you love it, not because you’re locked in.
Local customer service – Local support from real Kansans.
Community Investment
IdeaTek is driven by its mission of Internet Freedom, working to bring fiber internet to all Kansans—no matter where they live or their circumstances. As the company continues to expand its regional presence in 2025, fiber projects are currently underway in Baxter Springs, Garden City, Winfield, Arkansas City and Wichita, along with other Kansas communities.
Celebrating its 25th year in business in 2024, IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four friends while attending Buhler High School. Today, the company employs more than 180 Kansans and continues to grow. IdeaTek has deployed over 6,500 miles of fiber and built 150 fixed wireless towers, serving customers in over 120 Kansas communities. Learn more at ideatek.com.
About IdeaTek Telcom
IdeaTek Telcom is a Buhler, Kansas-based broadband service provider with the mission of “fighting for Internet Freedom.” IdeaTek uses a unique and innovative approach to deploy scalable, long-term fiber-optic infrastructure, working to bridge the digital divide in Kansas communities. IdeaTek is a champion for broadband equity and is committed to enriching the communities they serve. The company was recently named to Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing companies for the 11th time.