Pioneer Communications awarded $2 million state broadband grant…

Pioneer Communications awarded $2 million state broadband grant to bring fiber optic technology to rural Garden City communities. Sagebrush Estates and Highlands Addition, two of Finney County’s rural housing developments, will soon become some of the first 100% fiber-hoods in the area thanks to Pioneer Communications and the state of Kansas. Governor Laura Kelly announced last month that over $2 million in grant funding was awarded to Pioneer Communications and their Garden City partner, GBT Communications, through the Kansas Capital Project Funds (CPF) Grant Program to connect 137 homes and businesses in rural Finney County. The goal of the CPF grant is to bring high-speed broadband service to unserved and rural areas of the state.

Pioneer Communications, based in Ulysses, is well-poised to provide services to these areas. Pioneer’s presence as a broadband provider in the community began in 2019 with fiber installation to the main business corridors and Garden City Regional Airport. Pioneer Communications currently has fiber optic network to over 500 businesses in and around Garden City and continues to expand.

“We are excited to continue making a positive impact in Garden City by offering a state-of-the-art fiber optic network to the Sagebrush and Highlands communities,” said Catherine Moyer, CEO of Pioneer Communications. “We appreciate the support we received from the communities as we worked through the grant application process. The opportunity to bring fiber to these underserved areas is exciting and rewarding.” Moyer added.

Sagebrush resident and HOA president Aaron Anderson comments, “Fiber internet is a fast, reliable solution that will provide our community with the speeds necessary for entertainment, education, and business needs. In today’s interconnected world, a dependable internet connection is not a luxury item, but a necessity.”

For more than 70 years, Pioneer Communications has been the provider of choice for telecommunications services in southwest Kansas. With a service territory spanning over 5,000 square miles across 13 counties, Pioneer Communications is proud to support local communities and keep southwest Kansas connected to the world. For more information about Pioneer Communications, visit www.pioncomm.net.