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IdeaTek asks Sedgwick County for support letter to reach 193 hard‑to‑serve homes
Summary
James Kristolich of IdeaTek asked the commission for a letter of support and potential matching funds for a BEAD application to build fiber to about 193 premises in Sedgwick County and described the project’s private build components.
At the county's public comment period on Oct. 16, James Kristolich, representing IdeaTek, asked Sedgwick County commissioners to provide a letter of support for a BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) grant application.
"I'm here today to ask for a letter of support from you all to go towards this application," Kristolich said, explaining the state has targeted about 193 premises in the county as the hardest to serve and that his company is seeking partnerships to improve the grant score. He said IdeaTek would privately build out contiguous groups of homes (not paid for by BEAD funds) and that the BEAD money would cover the hardest remaining premises.
Kristolich also asked the commission to consider whether any matching contribution might be available and requested guidance on coordinating with the manager's office to follow county procedures for proclamations and formal support letters. Commissioners directed Kristolich to contact the county manager's office for next steps.
Why it matters: Federal BEAD funding is intended to close broadband gaps by subsidizing builds where private investment is insufficient. Local letters of support and matching funds can strengthen grant proposals and help bring fiber to underserved homes.
What's next: Commissioners asked Kristolich to contact the manager's office to pursue a formal letter of support and to follow county protocols for any official action.
