OmniTel announces fiber-to-the-home network for Rudd

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A broadband fiber optics project promises to make increased internet speed and entertainment options available to residents and businesses in Rudd.

OmniTel Communications announced Tuesday that a fiber-to-the-home construction project will begin there this summer.

“When completed, the newly constructed FTTH network will bring new advanced communications services, including super high-speed internet, digital and high-definition television and digital telephone service to all homes and businesses in the city of Rudd,” according to a news release from the company.

Ron Laudner, CEO of OmniTel Communications, said the new fiber optics network will replace aging infrastructure with a state-of-the-art system.

“We are excited,” he said. “It’s part of OmniTel’s commitment to bring next-generation communications technology to all our customers and the communities we serve.

“Fiber optic technology offers many advantages today, and because of its capacity for virtually unlimited bandwidth, this investment ‘future proofs’ our network for services that will become available in the future,” Laudner said.

OmniTel installed a fiber-to-the-home system in Floyd last summer.

All residences and businesses were encouraged to allow the company to install a service drop to their property, whether they intended to immediately subscribe to services or not.

“They might decide to get services later, or it’s an added value if they ever sell their home,” said Gary Schotanus, director of sales and service for OmniTel. “It’s easier for us if we do as much of it as possible when we’re installing the network.”

The Rudd network will allow internet speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, as well as the other digital TV and telephone options.

The OmniTel press release said company representatives will be contacting all home and business owners in Rudd with more information regarding this summer’s planned construction in the coming weeks.

Schotanus said last year that OmniTel has a 10-year plan to get all its service areas upgraded to fiber optics networks including fiber-to-the-home.

OmniTel offers service in Floyd, Rudd, Rockford, Marble Rock, Nora Springs, Greene, Plymouth, Rock Falls, St. Ansgar, Stacyville, Riceville and other communities.