Hailey
Imagine your internet running so fast that streaming, gaming, and doing homework all feel smooth and worry-free. That’s exactly what the city of Emporia in Kansas is about to get.
A big $14 million project promises to bring much better, faster internet to the people and businesses there. Let’s dive into what this means and why it matters!
What’s happening in Emporia?
The local non-profit group Emporia Main Street has teamed up with Kansas-based telecommunications firm IdeaTek to roll out a major upgrade.
They’re cutting the ribbon this week on the investment that will bring ultra-fast fibre internet to residents and companies in Emporia. Soon, locals will have a chance to sign up and switch to IdeaTek’s high-speed service.
Why is this upgrade important?
Faster speeds and smarter infrastructure
According to Daniel Friesen, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at IdeaTek, Emporia is a city “with a strong spirit of progress”.
The investment shows their promise to offer Internet Freedom, which means fast, reliable service, and local, Kansas-based customer support. With their new “8-gig fibre speeds”, Emporia will be among the best-connected cities in Kansas.
Who benefits and how?
More than 10,000 homes and businesses in Emporia will be connected with this new network. Here’s a table summarising the main benefits:
| Benefit | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Pure fibre network | The network uses fibre-optic cables only, making it faster and more reliable than older internet systems. |
| Affordable pricing | Packages start at just under $50 per month, making high speed more accessible. |
| No extra charges for data usage | You don’t have to worry about extra fees when you use more internet. |
| Local customer support | All support comes from a Kansas-based company, so help is nearby and more personal. |
What’s the bigger picture?
Opportunity for residents & businesses
Reliable, high-speed internet isn’t just about smoother downloads. It opens doors for education, innovation, and business growth.
As Casey Woods, executive director of Emporia Main Street, explains: better connectivity means more options, a stronger tech base for businesses, and a modern-economy mindset for residents and entrepreneurs.
Timeline & key events
- Announced: August 5 (project revealed)
- Construction began: same month (August 2025)
- Target: first neighbourhoods connected by Fall 2025
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony: 11:30 a.m. on November 12 at Emporia Main Street office (727 Commercial St)
- Info meeting for residents: 5:30 p.m. on November 12 at Lyon County History Center (711 Commercial St)
What you should know before switching
- Check if your home or business address is part of the “first-wave” rollout.
- Ask about installation costs, if any, and the exact monthly plan starting just under $50.
- Verify if the promised “8-gig fibre speeds” are available in your area right away or coming later.
- Find out what kind of equipment you’ll need (modem/router) and if you can use your own.
- Understand the terms: contract length, cancellation policy, and support hours.
In short, Emporia’s big $14 million investment is more than just faster internet—it’s about real growth, equal opportunity, and modern community development.
With more than 10,000 homes and businesses set to be connected, this upgrade could transform how people live, learn, work and play in Emporia.
If you live there or run a business there, you’ll want to catch the ribbon-cutting and info meeting on November 12. This move shows how important strong, affordable, local internet is—and how it can help a city thrive.