FMTC to bring fiber to Red Oak

Representatives from Farmer’s Mutual Telephone Company in Stanton are talking to Red Oak businesses about expanding fiber optics into Red Oak. Businesses being contacted are those that fall into the “fiber footprint,” which is Senate Avenue from the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital to Cubby’s, a little into the north and east side of Highway 48, as well as the downtown district between Sixth Street and Highway 48, East Washington Avenue and East Hammond Street.

The contractor is set to begin Sept. 1 on the project with the completion set for January, said Craig Hagenau, FMTC contracted services and sales manager.

“We are going to start in the downtown district, and we’re going to work our way over; one block at a time,” said Hagenau. “Washington Avenue will be first.”

With fiber vaults already underground in several locations, Hagenau said installing fiber consists of boring it underground from one vault to another vault in an alley and then from that vault into the back of an individual business.

“We can usually tie in to your existing system,” said Hagenau.

FMTC is also going to have a Red Oak shop where equipment and fiber will be stored, while keeping the sales office in Stanton.

“We’re only seven miles up the road, but we will have a presence here in Red Oak as well,” said Hagenau.

FMTC is also one of the five owners of a company called Midwest Data of Iowa, a data center, in Stanton, that offers IT services and support to businesses, school districts and government in southwest Iowa and northwest Missouri.

“Fiber optics is just another utility now; you’ve got water, sewer; electricity and fiber optics. It plays an important role in economic development; everybody wants fiber, especially in a rural community like ours,” said Hagenau.

Home-based businesses, satellite services and tele commuting are just a few new opportunities for a community when there is fiber optics available.

Unfortunately, residential areas are not being considered at this time for fiber optics. Fiber is already available in Bethesda, New Market, Stanton, Villisca and Nodaway through FTMC.

“Red Oak is the only city in Montgomery County that doesn’t have fiber 100 percent,” said Hagenau.

Contact FMTC a 712-829-2111 or myfmtc.com for more information or with questions.

“It’s fun to help connect the people and help improve efficiencies, cost savings and worry. Being able to bring that solution to them is amazing.”