BEATRICE – Gage County is seeing the first permit filed for a broadband project the county is helping to finance with American Rescue Plan Act funding totaling $4.2 million.

County officials used the occasion Wednesday to push back on what they see as misinformation about the project, being done by NextLink.
County Board Chairman Erich Tiemann says several supervisors have gotten calls about whether the project is shutting out other developers of broadband in the area.


"There are at least two vendors that I've heard of, telling people they can't put fiber in the ground because Gage County won't allow them to. I've told those constituents if you want a letter from me I'll get it to you today, yet. Anybody who wants to put fiber in Gage County is more than welcome to put fiber in Gage County. You have to go through the permitting process, like anyone else, but you are welcome to install fiber."


The NextLink project is about a $13 million initiative….focusing on the central and northern area of the county. Tiemann said any company has the ability to invest in upgrades…though they won’t be fully subsidized.  "If anyone tells a constituent they are not allowed to put fiber in, they're not telling you the truth. Not only are they allowed to, we encourage them to....and we welcome them to invest in Gage County."


Gage County has frequently approved permit applications by communications companies seeking to use county right-of-way for upgrading internet service in the county.  County Supervisor Emily Haxby said NextLink is not paid for any service drops made outside of the project area…..trying to ensure that the project doesn’t overlay other fiber development.


"We are not going to over-fund, or double-fund an area that already had something. NextLink will only be paid for the drops laid within that project area. NextLink can build outside of that project area. Another company could build inside of that project area. We will just not fund it."


Haxby says the first of about seven permit applications has been submitted by NextLink….which now has an office and warehouse in Pickrell. She said the developer is receiving truckloads of conduit. Haxby said the company is also seeking to invest in upgrading service….beyond the ARPA project. Haxby said that includes service to Clatonia, Adams, Pickrell, Cortland, Filley and Barneston.


The ARPA funded project is designed to focus on unserved or under-served areas when it comes to high-speed broadband.


Haxby said other companies, such as Diode Communications…have done a great job investing in high-speed service in Gage County. Of the county’s roughly 860 square miles….she estimates just under 300 square miles remains to be addressed with upgraded, higher-speed service.