Optic Named Four State’s Only Gig-Certified Provider

Arlington, Va., (April 1, 2016) – Optic Communications was today recognized by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America, as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation in the Columbus, Baxter Springs, Galena and Pittsburg, Kansas communities.

Optic’s Gig-Capable network is made possible by the company’s 100-percent fiber-optic network. Through Optic’s parent company, Columbus Telephone Company, Optic’s network was one of the first all-fiber networks in the Midwest in 2004. Since its initial construction, the company has constantly invested in network technology to bring more bandwidth to customers.

As a Certified Gig-Capable Provider, Optic Communications joins a national campaign to build awareness and industry recognition of community-based telecom providers that have built communications networks capable of delivering Internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, which is 100 times faster than those currently available in many U.S. households.

“I applaud Optic for its commitment to delivering the Internet’s fastest speeds—an accomplishment worthy of much praise considering the unique and challenging circumstances small, community-based telecommunications providers operate under every day in serving some of our country’s most rural and remote communities,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “By building a gigabit-capable network, Optic has not only overcome these challenges, but also shattered conventional benchmarks for broadband speed to enable cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their communities, region and nationwide.”

To achieve certification, telecommunications companies must show that gigabit technology is currently commercially available within 95% of one or more exchanges within its serving territory and that such service can be provided without new trenching or stringing new aerial facilities. This statement must be confirmed by a letter from an engineering firm or other independent source involved in the company’s network planning, deployment or operation.

More information about the NTCA Gig-Capable Provider certification program is available at www.ntca.org/gigcertified.

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About Optic Communications

Optic Communications traces its roots back to 1905 when its parent company, Columbus Telephone Company, was founded by a group of Kansas farmers. Since inception, the company has constantly kept ahead of the telecommunications industry in terms of technology advancement and today is expanding that innovation by way of a Gigabit fiber-optic network throughout Southeast Kansas. From an electric vehicle fleet, to an entirely paperless operation, the company has technology ingrained in its DNA. 

About NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.