Kwikom Communications of Iola was recently awarded just shy of $500,000 in matching funds to install 10 gigabit fiber optic cable in Paola.
Kwikom is one of 11 recipients awarded the funds which come from the state’s 10-year Broadband Acceleration Grant established in 2020. More than 35 businesses vied for the competitive grants.
In Paola’s case, the city and Kwikom will go 50-50 to match the state’s $496,190 commitment to install fiber optic cable across 5.5 square miles.
“It’s an investment in infrastructure,” said John Terry of Kwikom. Terry works in business development for the local firm. “In Paola’s comprehensive plan, it put broadband as a higher need than housing,” to attract people and businesses. Paola has a population of about 5,700 and is the county seat of Miami County.
In 2021, Kwikom won a similar-sized grant to lay cables to approximately 480 homes and businesses in the Altoona, Fredonia and Thayer areas.
“We’re probably within 30 days of completion on that project,” said Eric Vogel, service operations manager.
The Paola project is to be completed in 18 months and will require 15-20 workers, Vogel said.
As for a start date, Vogel said, “as soon as material starts arriving, probably within the next 60 days.” And yes, they are prepared for delays.
“Because the fiber optic cable itself is produced in China, we’ve had some problems,” Vogel said. An upside is that “Mexico is starting to produce the cable, which will mean quicker delivery.”
“I’ve seen pretty much every aspect of the materials we use affected in some way,” he said. “The tariffs imposed in 2019 also have driven up the cost of goods. That certainly hasn’t helped.”
“I think the delivery of goods is getting a little better recently. I hope it sticks.”
THAT KANSAS has an Office of Broadband Development is a sign that the state is “ahead of the curve,” when it comes to expanding access to the internet, said Vogel.
“My understanding is that under the federal government’s new $42 billion infrastructure bill, the first $100 million is for states to set up offices of broadband development,” Vogel said. “Well, Gov. Laura Kelly had already done that. She’s a little more progressive than others. I’d say Kansas is a year or two ahead of most states when it comes to broadband development.”
At a gathering Thursday evening in Humboldt, Gov. Kelly emphasized her commitment to expanding connectivity.
“It’s our goal to see that every household and business that wants high-speed internet services is connected,” she said.
For 2022, the state is investing $5 million to develop broadband infrastructure in rural communities. The overall 10-year plan will be an $85 million investment primarily in rural areas.
