Midstates To Bring Broadband Network To Neligh Community

The City of Neligh can look forward to being able to send and receive data at the speed of light, literally.

During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Klint Arnold with Midstates Data Transport addressed the board, sharing the company’s upcoming plans for installing a fibre optic in the community. 

“Midstates is a data transport company with fibre optic that is building fibre lines across Nebraska,” Arnold said. “Neligh is a spot to connect to other companies and has been on our list for awhile.”

Arnold said Midstates is focused on bringing high-speed communication to rural areas of the state. 

“Our company is trying to bring broadband to smaller cities in Nebraska." 

While Midstates works to install fibres, Arnold said they will be putting up wireless as an option for businesses and residents.  Arnold said their goal is to provide access for residential areas as well as the downtown district. 

Arnold said that his company is in the process of purchasing property in town to bring in a portable communications hut for the ongoing project. 

“We are going to build fiber into the city and connect with a company called NebraskaLink," Arnold said.

Midstates will be bringing fibre in across the bridge and through town on N street, past the fire hall and take the easement in the first run.  When they work in town, they will bury several conduits at a time. 

Arnold said he hopes that this communication network will bring more services to the community. 

“I hope it helps bring business to Neligh and helps existing businesses out,” Arnold said. 

City of Neligh Economic Development Director Greg Ptacek said a second broadband company is a valuable asset in growing Neligh.

"Having two top-notch fibre optic providers in Neligh will put Neligh in a great position to grow a 21st century business community. It's the digital equivalent of Neligh being at the intersection of a four lane highway and a six lane intrastate," Ptacek said. "High speed Internet is just as important as access to water or electricity, it's not a cherry on top, it's essential infrastructure."