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NextTech presents "Smart Rural Community" certificate as fiber build nears completion in Saline County
Summary
NextTech representatives presented a certificate recognizing Saline County as a "smart rural community," described near-complete fiber deployments and outlined a revolving loan fund and advocacy materials for the Universal Service Fund.
Representatives of NextTech presented the county commission with a “Smart Rural Community” certificate on Jan. 21, saying the designation recognizes Saline County’s near-complete deployment of fiber broadband and its readiness to attract business and support digital services such as education and telehealth.
Why it matters: NextTech’s fiber deployment is intended to expand high-speed internet access countywide, which county and company presenters said supports economic development, education and healthcare access in rural areas.
What presenters said
Friday Otuya, NextTech community engagement specialist, told commissioners NextTech has been “deploying cutting edge state-of-the-art fiber broadband to all parts of the county” and that fiber provides the highest available performance compared with other technologies. Otuya said the certificate “puts a seal to that readiness of the county” and signals to potential investors and businesses that the county has high-quality broadband infrastructure.
John Hendricks, who manages NextTech’s local operations, said installations are “in progress” across most of the rural area, with the majority of miles completed and a small amount of additional splicing and mileage remaining.
Additional initiatives described
- Revolving loan fund: Otuya described a low-interest revolving loan fund available to county entrepreneurs and small businesses to help with expansion and job retention; interested businesses were directed to contact NextTech for details.
- Universal Service Fund explainer: NextTech provided an explainer packet for commissioners that outlines how the federal Universal Service Fund subsidizes broadband deployment in rural areas, schools and healthcare providers and encourages continued local advocacy at the federal level.
Details and follow-up
NextTech said it planned to present a short video but was unable to play audio at the meeting; the company left informational materials with county staff. Commissioners accepted the certificate presentation; no formal county action or funding commitment accompanied the presentation.
Ending
NextTech left informational materials with the county and indicated the fiber deployment work is nearing completion in rural portions of Saline County.
