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BUHLER, Kansas — The growing demand for reliable fiber internet across Kansas has propelled IdeaTek Telcom to the 1,227 spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing companies, Inc. magazine announced this month.
This is IdeaTek’s 12th time earning a place on the prestigious list. Ranked 2,714th last year, IdeaTek continues its upward trajectory — a testament to its long-standing mission to bring Internet Freedom to communities across Kansas. Adding to the achievement, IdeaTek reached a major milestone in August – 50,000 customers — doubling its customer base in just two years. This rapid growth reflects Kansans’ demand for faster speeds, better service and more provider choice in both rural and metro areas.
In the past 12 months, IdeaTek has expanded its fiber network to an additional 45,000 households, now reaching over 7,500 miles of fiber infrastructure across 80 Kansas communities. The company continues investing in areas still relying on outdated copper or limited wireless technology — places where fast, reliable internet has been out of reach for far too long.
“IdeaTek’s mission of Internet Freedom means that fast, competitive broadband should be a basic utility, not a luxury, for every American,” said IdeaTek Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Daniel Friesen. “Hitting 50,000 customers in August — doubling our base in just two years — shows that Kansans are excited to see better options.
“Our success is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our incredible team, who are driven by our mission to deliver lightning-fast internet across the entire state of Kansas,” Friesen added.
IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four friends while attending Buhler High School. Today, the company employs over 180 Kansans and is continuing to grow. Significant private investment, paired with several state and federal broadband expansion programs, has expedited IdeaTek’s growth trajectory, making it one of Reno County’s larger employers.
This year, two major initiatives underscore IdeaTek’s momentum:
- Wichita fiber expansion — IdeaTek’s largest metro-area project to date, the company has plans to invest $200 million to bring lightning-fast fiber internet to homes and businesses in Wichita and surrounding communities. For years, many residents have had little or no choice in broadband providers — often relying on a single monopoly option and outdated technology. IdeaTek’s expansion brings true competition, giving residents more choice, local customer service and the fastest speeds at competitive prices.
- Freestate Middle Mile Project — In partnership with the State of Kansas, IdeaTek is leading a major middle mile build to connect rural and underserved communities to a high-capacity fiber backbone. This critical infrastructure will enable future last-mile broadband deployment in areas where private investment alone has not been feasible.
Alongside these cornerstone projects, IdeaTek has also launched new fiber builds in several communities across the state, including Garden City, Emporia, Parsons, Baxter Springs, Andover, Winfield, Arkansas City and Haysville.
IdeaTek’s Chief Executive Officer, Jerrod Reimer, said IdeaTek is on track to reach its goal of 100,000 customers by 2027.
“Kansans should have affordable and reliable internet access no matter where they live or their situation,” said IdeaTek Chief Executive Officer Jerrod Reimer. “In places like Wichita, that means giving residents real choice for the first time in years. Reliable connectivity isn’t just about speed — it’s about driving economic growth and building stronger communities. With the momentum we have today, we will have many more milestones to reach as we work to help Kansas close the digital divide.”
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About IdeaTek Telcom
IdeaTek Telcom, LLC, 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 infrastructures, bridging the broadband gap in rural communities. The company has already successfully built over 7,500 miles of fiber throughout Kansas. IdeaTek has long been at the forefront in Kansas on broadband equity issues and is committed to enriching the communities in which they operate.
About Inc. 5000
Started in 1982, Inc. magazine’s list has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $2 million. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.