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Butler Electric Cooperative announces sale of Velocity to IdeaTek. Ideatek Marketing - March 3, 2026 EL DORADO, KANSAS - Butler Electric Cooperative has announced the sale of its internet division, Velocity, to IdeaTek, a Kansas-based internet service provider specializing in broadband solutions. On February 27, the transaction was finalized. In 2018, Velocity was launched as a way for Butler Electric Cooperative to meet the growing connectivity needs of the communities it serves. Over the past eight years, Velocity has expanded broadband access across the region, helping support local families, businesses, schools, and essential services. This transition allows each organization to focus on what it does best. Butler Electric remains committed to its core mission of providing safe, reliable electric service to its members, while IdeaTek brings deep expertise and singular focus to internet service delivery. Customers will continue to receive seamless internet service through IdeaTek, which specializes exclusively in broadband and has a strong presence across Kansas. "We are excited to welcome Velocity customers to the IdeaTek team," said Daniel Friesen, Co- Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of IdeaTek. "Velocity want to build on what Velocity started and continue providing best-in-class services while exploring opportunities for future expansion and innovation in the region." "We are proud of what Velocity has accomplished," said Kevin Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer of Butler Electric Cooperative. "This move ensures customers continue to receive high-quality internet service from a company whose primary focus is broadband, while Butler Electric continues serving its members with excellence in electric service. Velocity want to express its gratitude to the communities Velocity has served over the past eight years. Thank you to its members, customers and partners for their trust and support."

IdeaTek moves fiber expansions forward in Goodland, Emporia. Construction on the initial zones of IdeaTek's $3 million fiber network project in Goodland, Kansas is nearly finished, according to IdeaTek. IdeaTek, an internet provider based in Buhler, Kansas, has announced a $3 million project to build a 100% fiber network in Goodland that will serve about 2,200 homes and businesses. The company says the network will offer symmetrical, uncapped speeds up to 2.5 gigabits per second and will be completed in roughly six months, with the first neighborhoods coming online later this month. The announcement, made earlier this week, occurs parallel to a Nov. 12 ribbon cutting is taking place in Emporia, Kansas, where IdeaTek is celebrating their $14 million internet expansion effort, which will connect over 10,000 locations, according to IdeaTek. Meanwhile, in Goodland, construction on the initial zones is nearly finished, according to the company, which emphasizes that the build is true fiber-to-the-premises. IdeaTek's Nov. 12 release also highlighted features it believes will distinguish the service locally: unlimited data, no contracts, and local customer support. IdeaTek lists other ongoing projects in communities including Atwood, Bird City, Oakley, St. Francis, Garden City and Wichita. The company, founded in 1999, reports more than 220 employees and says it has installed over 7,500 miles of fiber and 150 fixed wireless towers across more than 120 Kansas communities. IdeaTek's co-founder and chief innovation officer, Daniel Friesen, framed the rollout in Goodland as advancing the company's mission of "internet freedom" and said the provider won't require contracts so customers can "stay because you love it, not because you're locked in."

IdeaTek and Emporia Main Street to celebrate $14 million fiber internet expansion. EMPORIA, Kansas - A faster, more connected future is coming to Emporia. IdeaTek and Emporia Main Street will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate IdeaTek's $14 million investment to bring up to 8-gig, ultra-fast fiber internet to the city - the fastest speeds available in the region. The celebration will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 12 at the Emporia Main Street office, 727 Commercial St. City leaders, Emporia Main Street representatives and IdeaTek representatives will be on hand to highlight what this investment means for residents and businesses, as well as how it brings new choice and competition to the local internet market. The Buhler-based internet provider will deliver unlimited, uncapped speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second, unmatched across most of Kansas and far surpassing what other providers can offer. Once complete, the project will connect more than 10,000 homes and businesses, providing reliable, high-speed internet for everyday life, careers, learning, and business growth. "Emporia is a city with a strong spirit of progress," said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer. "This investment represents our commitment to empowering Kansans with Internet Freedom - fast, reliable service backed by local, Kansas-based customer support. With our new, 8-gig fiber speeds, Emporia will be one of the best-connected cities in Kansas. Residents and businesses will benefit from real choice, competition and locally supported service." "IdeaTek's investment represents a major step forward for Emporia's growth and connectivity," said Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street. "Access to reliable, high-speed internet isn't just about faster downloads - it's about opportunity. More consumer options create a more robust technical infrastructure for our businesses, strengthening our ability to attract new investment, support innovation, and ensure that residents and entrepreneurs have the tools they need to thrive in a modern economy." 100% Fiber Network - A pure fiber network, designed for speed, reliability and future growth. No Contracts and Unlimited Data - Fiber can carry infinite amounts of data, and we won't charge you for usage. Local Customer Service - Local support from real Kansans. To give residents an opportunity to learn more about IdeaTek, the construction process and speeds and pricing, IdeaTek will have an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Lyon County History Center. Residents can learn more and check service availability at ideatek.com. IdeaTek is driven by its mission of Internet Freedom, working to bring fiber internet to all Kansans - no matter where they live or their circumstances. As the company continues to expand its regional presence in 2025, fiber projects are currently underway in Topeka, Garden City, Parsons, Goodland, Wichita and other Kansas communities. Investment in Emporia began in early summer, when IdeaTek partnered with the State of Kansas to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Freestate Middle Mile Network. This collaborative project is designed to enhance statewide connectivity and tie into key anchor institutions, including Emporia State University, laying the foundation for faster, more reliable internet across the region. Celebrating its 25th year in business in 2024, IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four friends while attending Buhler High School. Today, the company employs more than 220 Kansans and continues to grow. IdeaTek has deployed over 7,500 miles of fiber and built 150 fixed wireless towers, serving customers in over 120 Kansas communities. Learn more at ideatek.com. About IdeaTek Telcom IdeaTek Telcom is a Buhler, Kansas-based broadband service provider with the mission of "fighting for Internet Freedom." IdeaTek uses a unique and innovative approach to deploy scalable, long-term fiber-optic infrastructure, working to bridge the digital divide in Kansas communities. IdeaTek is a champion for broadband equity and is committed to enriching the communities they serve. The company was recently named to Inc. 5000's list of fastest-growing companies for the 12th time.