Ottawa Celebrates as the First Certified Gigabit City Powered by KWIKOM
A Major Milestone for Ottawa
On a bright day in Ottawa, the community came together to celebrate a big achievement: the city’s certification as the first “Gigabit City” Powered by KWIKOM. This event marked a new chapter of connectivity and technological advancement for Ottawa, bringing top-notch internet speeds to residents and businesses. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on the steps of the Franklin County Courthouse, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement as community members, local leaders, and representatives from KWIKOM gathered to mark this special occasion.
Pictured left to right: Kenzie Prewitt, Marketing Specialist of KWIKOM; Ryland Miller, President & CEO of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce; Zach Peres, President of KWIKOM; Mike Brigman, President & COO of WANRack; Mike Skidmore, Mayor of Ottawa; Ianne Dickinson, 4th District Commissioner of the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners; Roger Maxwell, Chamber Board Member; Joseph Le, Interim Director from the Kansas Department of Broadband; and Paul Bean of the Franklin County Economic Development
Highlights from the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The ceremony kicked off with KWIKOM President Zach Peres sharing his excitement about Ottawa’s new status. He emphasized how this high-speed fiber internet will transform the community, benefiting local businesses and residents alike.
“KWIKOM Communications is proud to bring gigabit fiber optic internet to Ottawa and the surrounding area,” said Mike Brigman, President & Chief Operating Officer of WANRack, the parent company of KWIKOM Communications. “This designation as a Gigabit City marks a significant step forward in ensuring that our communities have the technological resources they need to compete and thrive in today’s digital economy.”
Ottawa Mayor Mike Skidmore expressed his pride in Ottawa’s progress, stating, “Today, Ottawa proudly becomes KWIKOM’s first-ever ‘Certified Gigabit City,’ a significant achievement that enhances our community’s connectivity. It will play an integral role in driving economic growth and improving our quality of life. Thank you to our community partners at KWIKOM for their substantial investment in our community and our future.”
The event also saw enthusiastic participation from representatives of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. The collective cheer as the ribbon was cut symbolized the start of a new era for Ottawa.
What It Means to Be a Gigabit City
So, what does it mean for Ottawa to be a Certified Gigabit City Powered by KWIKOM? Here are some key benefits:
- Blazing Fast Internet: With reliable, high-speed fiber internet, residents and businesses can enjoy smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and better online experiences.
- Boost for Businesses: High-speed internet supports video conferencing, faster file transfers, and access to advanced cloud services, making local businesses more competitive.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: From remote work and online education to telehealth services and smart home technologies, gigabit internet supports a range of activities that improve daily life.
- Development Magnet: Being a Gigabit City attracts new residents and developers, fostering economic growth and community development.
Looking Ahead
The celebration in Ottawa is just the beginning. As KWIKOM continues to expand its fiber network, more cities will join the ranks of Gigabit Cities. The success in Ottawa sets a shining example, showcasing the benefits of high-speed internet and community collaboration.
Congratulations to Ottawa on this remarkable achievement! We’re excited to see how the city continues to thrive as a Certified Gigabit City. Stay tuned for more updates as KWIKOM brings gigabit internet to more communities.
