Massive Construction Initiative Forging Ahead - Nex-Tech

IN THIS ISSUE:C Massive constructioninitiative forging aheadOctober2010C choosing the rightcell phone for youC Great response receivedC new family dataC Nex-tech classifiedsmean businessC training servicesscheduleC lightning jackwinnersC NEW DIRECTORYLISTINGsMassive Construction Initiative Forging AheadOn July 13, less than six months after being awarded $101.2 million ingrant and loan funds as part of the American Recovery and ReinvestmentAct (ARRA), Rural Telephone technicians began cutting over Long Islandcustomers to its Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP) network. When completed in2012, the massive construction project will impact 21 towns and 26 ruralareas spanning over 4,600 square miles in Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham,Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Sheridan, Smith and Trego counties.Rural Telephone Director of Operations, Ron Ellis, stated that despitesome isolated weather delays, preliminary engineering and constructionwork is progressing steadily throughout the region. “In addition to utilizingour own Rural Telephone/Nex-Tech engineering and construction crews,we are working with three outside engineering firms and five outside constructioncompanies on this project,” said Ellis. “Altogether, approximately210 engineering and construction technicians are working on these projects,and more will be brought in as the construction and cutover phaseprogresses.”“Right now we have seven plow trains burying the main fiber lines,eleven boring crews working in various towns and rural areas, along withnine crews that are installing individual cable drops to residences andbusinesses, as well as seven crews dedicated to splicing the fiber opticconnections,” said Ellis.Ten Rural Telephone exchanges have been targeted for FTTP upgradesas part of the Recovery Act Broadband Infrastructure program. Engineeringand construction activity is currently underway in seven exchanges,while an additional three exchanges have upgrades scheduled for 2011.“I’m pleased to report that construction and cutover activities arecompleted in the Athol exchange,” said Ellis. “Construction activities havebeen completed in the Gove exchange, 90% completed in the rural areasof Hill City, 50% completed in the Collyer exchange, 20% completed inthe Damar exchange, and are nearing completion in the Morland andLong Island exchanges.”Customer cutover to the FTTP network is approximately 50% completedin the Morland exchange according to Ellis, and 20% completed inthe rural areas of Hill City. “Barring any unexpected troubles, we shouldcomplete customer cutover to the fiber system in the Long Island andGove exchanges by the end of the year, with cutover starting next year inthe Damar and Collyer exchanges,” stated Ellis.As of October 1, Ellis estimated that approximately 350 customershave been cutover to new broadband facilities as a result of the ARRAconstruction project, which will eventually provide high-speed services tonearly 23,000 households and businesses in central and western Kansas.Pictured Top to Bottom: Combination Technician Michael Lyon prepares the equipmenton a Long Island customer's home for fiber technologies like digital TV and Lightning JackHigh-Speed Internet. Chris Basgall, Engineering Technician, splices fiber at a new pedestalin the Long Island exchange. Contractors plow cable to a customer's home in Damar.

Choosing The Right Cell Phone For YouNex-Tech Wireless has a great selection ofphones and if you’re thinking of upgradingor making the switch to Nex-Tech Wireless,you might be wondering which phone is rightfor you. To make the search for the perfectphone a little simpler, here’s some basicadvice to get your phone hunt off to a greatstart.A phone as tough as you are – If you need atough phone, then the MotorolaW845 Quantico might be theperfect phone for you. Built towithstand extreme pressure,temperature, dust, shock, vibration,blowing rain and waterfor up to 30 minutes, theQuantico is ideal for peoplein the agriculture industry,outdoor workers or anyonewanting a generally toughphone. The Quantico also includes amusic player and 1.3 megapixel camera.Motorola QuanticoSimple and easy to use – Thenew LG Wine is a great optionif you want a basic phone fora great price. It includes acamera and voice dialing. TheSamsung R600 Adorn alsohas some nice features includinglarge buttons and a simpledisplay.LG WineGreat for texting – Nex-Tech Wireless hasa wide variety of phones withfull QWERTY keyboards. AQWERTY keyboard is similar tocomputer keyboard and allowsyou to text and browsethe Internet with ease.The LG Ellipse has aflip open keyboard andlarge 2.6" internaldisplay.Want a touchscreenkeyboard? Try theSamsung Messager, a touchscreenphone with a musicplayer, camera and more.Making work andplay easier – The perfectsmartphone for workingprofessionals,busy parents or peopleon the go- a BlackBerry®smartphone helps you live,work and play more efficiently.A BlackBerry®smartphone is more thanjust a great way to connectwith the important people inyour life—it's a great way tohave fun too! You can shareBlackBerry® CurveLG EllipseSamsungMessagervideos, listen to music, share photos, playgames, access the Internet and more whileyou are on the go! There are five BlackBerrysmartphones including the new touch-screenStorm2.If you love gadgets – Then you'll adore theMotorola Android and the HTC Hero Android.An Android phone uses Google appsMotorola Androidand is highlycustomizable.Access GoogleSearch andthousands ofother applicationsin the palmof your handsuch as theWeather Channel®, USAToday, Yahoo Music, PAC-MAN®, Facebook® andthousands more. It has a 5megapixel camera, GPS,Wi-Fi and Internet access.Customize your phone'slook, feel, and functionalityto fit you perfectly.These are just a fewHTC Heroof the phones Nex-TechWireless offers. See them and many more atyour local Rural Telephone or Nex-Tech storetoday.Great ResponseReceived FromRural Telephone/Nex-TechCustomer SurveyA big thank you goes out to all customerswho participated in the Rural Telephone/Nex-Tech Customer Survey. Your responsesare greatly appreciated and carefullyreviewed. We are very excited about theexcellent response we received with 8,378surveys returned! With 28,518 surveys sentout, that is a response rate of 29%!Respondents were also in the running for$100 drawings and Apple iPads simply forcompleting the survey. Congratulationsto our three $100 winners: Jim Ninemire,Lenora; Donald Garvert, Plainville; andCarolyn Gentzler, Portis; plus our three iPadwinners: Michael Schmidt, Natoma; JulieCarter, Jennings; and Denyse Kattenburg,Smith Center.NEW!877-621-2600www.nex-techwireless.com• Add a regular phone for only $9.99.($10 off per month!)• Add a smartphone for only $19.99.(up to $15 off all smartphone plans)All lines will receive:• Unlimited texting• Unlimited picture messages• Unlimited Internet access*Certain restrictions apply. Charges are per line per month. No voice minutes included. Nex-Tech Wireless is eligible to receive supportfrom the Federal Universal Service Fund in designated areas. As a result, Nex-Tech Wireless must meet reasonable requests for service inthese areas. Questions or complaints concerning service issues may be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of PublicAffairs and Consumer Protection by calling 1-800-662-0027.Save up to$ 15per line onadditional lines!

Nex-Tech Classifieds Mean BusinessOne of the cornerstones of a successful business isprospecting for new customers. Traditional advertisingmedia can be expensive and the results often disappointing.Plus, there are so many choices. Savvy managers areusing the power of the Internet to expand their customerbase.“You can instantly reach thousands of potential customersonline by advertising on the Nex-Tech Classifieds,”stated Nex-Tech Internet Solutions Manager, Justin Mc-Clung. “By choosing to advertise on the Nex-Tech Classifieds,you’re putting your business directly at the fingertipsof thousands of online users.”The Nex-Tech Classifieds receives over 7.2 million hitsper month from across Kansas and southern Nebraska. Italready has over 38,000 registered users and that numberis growing at a rate of more than 6% per month.Businesses are able to advertise on the Nex-Tech Classifiedsfor as little as $30 a month in whatever categorythey prefer. Popular categories include Baby and Children’sItems, Household Goods and Vehicles. Any adplaced on the classifieds could be seen an average of346,000 times in one month!Nex-Tech’s professionals will design your online adto best reach your target market McClung said. “When youcompare $30 a month to paying an average of $7 per radiospot, $12 per TV spot and up to $1,000 for just one full-pagenewspaper ad, it’s easy to see that advertising on the Nex-TechFREE Classifieds is a great value!”To get started, visit www.nextechclassifieds.com/flyer or call877-883-9279.ReENERGIZEyour career withnew skills from4th Quarter Schedule2010October4613141820252728Word 2007 IntroductoryExcel 2007 IntroductoryExcel 2007 IntermediateWord 2007 IntermediatePowerPoint 2007 IntroductoryExcel 2007 AdvancedPowerPoint 2007 AdvancedWord 2007 AdvancedExcel 2007 Advanced IINovember14810111517182229Access 2007 IntroductoryExcel 2007 IntroductoryWord 2007 IntroductoryAccess 2007 IntermediateExcel 2007 IntermediateWord 2007 IntermediateExcel 2007 AdvancedAccess 2007 AdvancedWord 2007 AdvancedExcel 2007 Advanced IIDecember2681315162022Excel 2007 IntroductoryWord 2007 IntroductoryPowerPoint 2007 IntroductoryAccess 2007 IntroductoryWord 2007 IntermediateExcel 2007 IntermediateExcel 2007 AdvancedAccess 2007 IntermediateClasses are held between9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the HaysTraining Facility, 2418 Vine St.Pre-Paid ClassesEnjoy a discounted rate on our regularly scheduledclasses when purchased in blocks of 10 or more.Use them as needed for any of your staff membersand on any scheduled day that works best for theirindividual needs.FHSU College CreditIn partnership with the Fort Hays State UniversityManagement Information Systems Department, weare pleased to announce time-efficient classes,whereby you may receive college credits.Professional Development ClassesBecome a top-notch performer in the workplace withNex-Tech Training Services. To book one of thebusiness and professional skills classes or any of ourother courses, call 785-625-7070 or 877-625-7872.Can You FindHelp Lightning Jack® find his“Lightning!” It is hidden in theRural Connection every month.To enter to win, simply write yourname and phone number on a3 X 5 card along with where“Lightning” is located in theRural Connection. Return thisinformation with your paymentby the 10th of the month.Three winners of $10 gift certificateswill be drawn each monthfrom all correct entries.September WINNERSBobbi PalombiHill CityLorena BurgardtParkDianna DennisAgraLightning Jack is a registered trademark of Nex-Tech, Inc.In the September issue:Lightning Jack’s lightningwas located on the backpage next to the Trusteeinformation.

newDirectoryListingsCornerstone, Hill City ....................................................................... 785-421-6500Davis Jr, Billy W, Kensington ............................................................ 785-476-2153Déjà Vu, Damar ............................................................................... 785-839-4458Engelke, Carmen, Kensington .......................................................... 785-476-2476Foster, Justin & Shannon, Grainfield ................................................. 785-673-4682Freisner, Rose, Esbon ....................................................................... 785-725-3038Gillespie Ericka, Quinter .................................................................. 785-754-3731Goetz, Barb, Park ............................................................................ 785-673-4399Grafel, Kurt & Kristin, Natoma .......................................................... 785-885-4105Greenwood, James & Rebecca, Russell .............................................. 785-483-2014Hafliger, S, WaKeeney ..................................................................... 785-743-2528Johnmeyer, Alex & Tina, Burr Oak ..................................................... 785-647-5014Jolliff, A, Russell .............................................................................. 785-483-1097Kennedy, Danny, Downs................................................................... 785-454-6026Kidd, Brandy, Russell ....................................................................... 785-483-1086Lammy, Dwain, Logan ..................................................................... 785-689-4232M&M Steam – Oil Treating, Russell ................................................... 785-483-2424Mattson, Don, Palco ........................................................................ 785-737-2015Miner, Kendall, Russell .................................................................... 785-483-1058PR’s Investments LLC, Densmore ...................................................... 785-622-4216Reeder, T, WaKeeney ....................................................................... 785-743-2899Reeves, Sydna, WaKeeney ................................................................ 785-743-6362Seegmiller, Steve & Amy, Selden ...................................................... 785-687-2057Sherfick, Justin, WaKeeney .............................................................. 785-743-2796Stacey, Thomas, Selden ................................................................... 785-386-4130Steinle, Elizabeth, Russell ................................................................ 785-483-2102Stejskal, Beverly, Natoma ................................................................ 785-885-4109Uehling, Douglas, Long Island .......................................................... 785-854-7463Watford, Tammy, Russell ................................................................. 785-445-3467Whelchel, Katie, Lebanon ................................................................ 785-389-3747Zaffuto, Tracy, Lenora ...................................................................... 785-567-4898What does it mean tobe a cooperative MEMBER?It’s a matter of PRINCIPLES.** (Seven, to be exact)Education | Cooperation | CommunityOpen Membership | One Voice, One Vote | Member Benefits | IndependenceLearn more at go.coopRural TelephoneService Company, Inc.145 North Main • Lenora, KS 67645v.785.567.4281 • f.785.567.4401Toll Free 877.567.7872e-mail: rts@ruraltel.netOffice Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.CEO/General ManagerLarry E. SevierRural Connection StaffAward-winning member newsletter publishedmonthly by Rural Telephone Service Company, Inc.Executive Editor Steve HerrsManaging Editor Andrea KeeseeContributors Chris NorrisDeborah AndersonRaleen GrandySara BloomTara TurnerBranch OfficesDowns • 901 N. Morgan Ave. • Downs, KS 67437v.785.454.6025 • f.785.454.6099 • Toll Free.866.454.7872Great Bend • 3705 10th • Great Bend, KS 67530v.620.792.3908 • f.620.792.5505 • Toll Free.866.792.7872Hays • 2418 Vine • Hays, KS 67601v.785.625.7070 • f.785.625.4479 • Toll Free.877.625.7872Hill City • 118 W. Main • Hill City, KS 67642v.785.421.2916 • f.785.421.2917• Toll Free.877.421.7872Hoxie • 825 Main • Hoxie, KS 67740v.785.675.2400 • f.785.675.2008• Toll Free.888.675.7872Norton • 117 N. Norton • Norton, KS 67654v.785.877.4135 • f.785.874.4497 • Toll Free.877.550.7872Osborne • 221 W. Main • Osborne, KS 67473v.785.346.2199 • f.785.346.2499 • Toll Free.877.643.7872Phillipsburg • 770 4th • Phillipsburg, KS 67661v.785.543.6694 • f.785.543.5362 • Toll Free.866.543.6694Plainville • 112 S. Main • Plainville, KS 67663v.785.434.4946 • f.785.434.2053 • Toll Free.866.551.7872Quinter • 1127 Castle Rock • Quinter, KS 67752v.785.754.2108 • f.785.754.2125 • Toll Free.877.750.7872Russell • 238 E. Wichita • Russell, KS 67665v.785.483.5555 • f.785.483.5550 • Toll Free.866.383.6773Smith Center • 705 N. F • Smith Center, KS 66967v.785.282.3535 • f.785.282.3539 • Toll Free.866.419.6439Stockton • 523 Main • Stockton, KS 67669v.785.425.6750 • f.785.425.6539 • Toll Free.877.425.6750WaKeeney • 137 Main • WaKeeney, KS 67672v.785.743.2747 • f.785.743.2777 • Toll Free.877.743.7872Board of TrusteesF.C. Brungardt, PresidentGalatia • Olmitz • VictoriaJim Harries, Vice PresidentMorland • Rexford • Selden • WaKeeneyPhyllis Weller, Secretary/TreasurerHill City • Jennings • LenoraRon Rahjes, Assistant SecretaryAgra • Athol • Burr Oak • Esbon • Gaylord • Ionia • Kensington • LebanonGlenn Lambert, TrusteeCourtland • Damar • Natoma • Palco • Republic • Webber • Woodston • ZurichDouglas Ziegler, TrusteeCollyer • Gove • Grainfield • QuinterJerry Patterson, TrusteeEdmond • Logan • Long Island • Prairie View • WoodruffDon Heiland, TrusteeAlton • Downs • OsbornePeggy Chrisler, TrusteeRussellwww.ruraltelephone.com | www.nex-tech.com