In this episode of Broadband Breakdown, Scott Meyer talks with Jeff Sackrider, Manhattan Market Manager at WTC Fiber, about a community-built public Wi-Fi network across Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas. Riley County is the only county in Kansas classified as persistently impoverished.
Jeff covers how a state broadband grant, local matching funds, and a community-wide effort produced an $830,000 project with 124 access points at about 45 locations, including shelters, food programs, parks, rec centers, and even the zoo. He also shares real stories of what the network means to the people using it, and practical advice for other broadband providers who want to do the same.
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Broadband Breakdown, the Innovative Systems podcast, dives into real-life challenges broadband leaders are facing and help them find solutions. Whether you’re working to improve NPS, modernize outdated systems, hire new talent, or stay competitive in your market, this is your space for innovative ideas and expert solutions.
