SKT is committed to providing state-of-the art broadband connections for rural Kansas communities,
and Rosalia will be the first in the SKT network to get 2 Gbps symmetrical speeds.

This summer, SKT is breaking ground on a rural fiber project in Rosalia, located about 12 miles east of El Dorado. With fiber, Rosalia will be among the first in the nation to get 2 Gbps symmetrical internet service – up to 2,000 Mbps for both download and upload. That’s 26 times faster download and 200 times faster upload speed compared to what’s offered with the existing copper infrastructure. The project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

This project is part of a greater initiative by both SKT and Twin Valley – together the largest family-owned broadband provider in the state – to improve connectivity for rural Kansans. The companies will offer fiber broadband service to more than 1,500 new homes and businesses by the end of 2022, in addition to their existing fiber footprint.

Last year, SKT and Twin Valley made a pledge to their communities and customers to provide the most reliable network with internet options at the best value, hometown customer service, and meaningful outreach initiatives.

“When it comes to advocating for cutting-edge communications and connectivity for rural Kansans, SKT and Twin Valley have been industry leaders for more than 75 years,” SKT & Twin Valley President & CEO Ben Foster said. “We have made intentional infrastructure investments to help rural families, businesses, and communities thrive for generations, and this project reflects our commitment to offering the most reliable network.”

While the FCC has defined broadband as a minimum speed of 25/3 Mbps, gigabit-capable fiber has become the industry’s gold standard as providers across the country work to create a scalable network capable of meeting future connectivity needs. Fiber internet outperforms any other broadband technology, reaching unmatched speeds with low lag time and sending data as fast as about 70% the speed of light.

SKT’s multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds give individuals and families the bandwidth to handle all their online activities without any slowdowns, including working from home, completing online coursework, streaming TV, online gaming, accessing telehealth, and more. Fiber gives businesses the bandwidth to quickly store and access information in the cloud, connect with remote employees and clients through video calls, maintain their online presence through websites and social media, and more.

No contract is required, and unlimited data is included. SKT offers simple pricing, and plans start under $65 for 100 Mbps symmetrical. Faster upload speeds are important for people who work or take online classes from home, enjoy online gaming, or upload files to the cloud.

SKT partners with federal and state government to provide financial assistance for internet service, including the Lifeline, Affordable Connectivity, and Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance programs. With Lifeline and ACP, SKT residential customers in Rosalia can pay less than $26 for internet service before applicable taxes and fees.

The increased demand for broadband and unprecedented federal funding for fiber expansion has led to supply chain issues in the industry. All project timelines are subject to change based upon the availability of equipment and fiber optic cable. Updates will be provided online at SKTC.net/rosaliafiber.