Great Plains accelerates fiber expansion in Nebraska, Indiana

Great Plains Communications is undertaking significant network rollouts across the Midwest, announcing earlier in August 2023 that it will build fiber in 16 new urban and rural communities in Nebraska. CEO Todd Foje said these markets are all areas where Great Plains will upgrade its broadband services with fiber, with construction slated to start by late fall 2023. Some of the expansion markets are in the Omaha metro area, such as Gretna, La Vista, Papillion, and Ralston, while others are considered “smaller, more rural communities.” Great Plains’ total subscriber count is currently “in the mid 50,000 range,” with Foje noting the subscriber base is “predominantly fiber.” All told, Great Plains boasts more than 18,000 miles of fiber reaching 13 states. In the past few years, it acquired some providers to boost its footprint, like USA Communications in 2021 and Wood River Network in January 2022. Foje said Great Plains is using both public and private funding to support its buildouts. Its private equity partner is Grain Management, a firm that’s invested in a range of telecom companies.