IdeaTek’s presence in the Emporia community was solidified with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning.
Staff of IdeaTek joined local leadership and community partners for the brief ceremony, which comes as the company is in the midst of its $14 million expansion into the city, providing what Community Relations Manager John Terry calls “Freedom of internet.” Terry expanded on that point, saying freedom of internet means freedom of choice and he believes it is important to offer a choice in service to customers across the state.
Deputy City Manager of Emporia Mark Detter says choice is important to a customer base.
Detter says it’s also an important resource for building a workforce.
In terms of growing the economy, Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods says businesses are attracted to a community with robust broadband networks, calling broadband “the New railroad.”
According to Terry, IdeaTek is on track to complete its buildout and be fully online by spring 2026, with three sectors possibly coming online by the end of November. Terry says there has been a “Tremendous amount of interest” expressed for the new services in recent weeks.
In addition to its work within the city limits, IdeaTek is still awaiting word back on a broadband acceleration grant through the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, which will help to fund a buildout in Thorndale. Lyon County Commissioners recently approved signing a letter of support for this endeavor, which will bring a 14-mile network north and south of Interstate 35, that would offer symmetrical speeds up to 2.5 GIG to over 140 “premises.”
Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony preceded an informational meeting at the Lyon County History Center, where residents learned more about IdeaTek, its services, and pricing for the new network. For those unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting, you can find all information at Ideatek.com.
