Optic Communications Celebrates Being Named a Smart Rural Community Provider 

The community of Columbus today announced that Optic Communications was recently named a Smart Rural Community^SM (SRC) provider by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. SRC is a national network of communities powered by innovative rural broadband providers that are building a brighter future for small-town America. The program promotes rural broadband and its role in supporting innovative economic development, effective education, efficient energy distribution and use, state-of-the-art health care and other important issues for rural America.

In order to receive recognition as a SRC provider, Optic was required to affirm that it offers 25/3 Mbps broadband to at least 50% of its service area; that it has broadband subscription rates of at least 50%; and that it is committed to program principles of collaboration and innovation. As a result of Optic’s national recognition, Columbus will now be celebrated as a Smart Rural Community in program materials and online at www.smartruralcommunity.com, joining a national network of similarly innovative communities.

“We are honored to be recognized as an SRC Provider by the NTCA. It is not only an honor for us, but for our whole community. We are thankful for the support we continually receive from Columbus” said General Manager Dave Soper.

NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield also recognized Optic Communications for this achievement, noting, “We are so excited to welcome another Smart Rural Community provider into this growing network of innovative broadband providers delivering the Internet’s fastest speeds in some of the most remote and rural communities of our country. I applaud Optic and Columbus for their commitment to enabling cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and promote economic development in their region and nationwide.”

About Optic:

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbus Telephone Company, Optic traces its roots back to 1905. The company has consistently led the telecommunications industry in technology advancement, including one of the first 100% fiber networks in 2004. The Optic Communications brand began operations in 2014 with the company’s original expansion to Galena, Kansas. Optic is headquartered in Columbus, Kansas with remote locations in Pittsburg, Galena and Baxter Springs, Kansas and Loma Linda, Missouri.

About NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA members are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business.