Glenwood Boosts Local Connectivity

Glenwood Telecommunications has invested millions of dollars in Phelps County the past two years to ensure residents and businesses have access to reliable high-speed internet. 

That investment is now benefiting Holdrege residents and businesses and giving Phelps County a boost in economic development efforts.

 “Glenwood invested $7 million in fiber infrastructure to improve connectivity in Holdrege,” said Glenwood General Manager Stan Rouse. “We recognized the community’s need for a robust telecommunications infrastructure, something the other providers have overlooked. Our investment in fiber demonstrates our belief in the potential of Holdrege and our dedication to supporting the residents, businesses, schools, and healthcare providers with the tools they need to thrive. Glenwood has invested over $10 million in Phelps County as a whole.”

Two years ago, Glenwood announced its plans to add infrastructure to make high-speed fiber internet available to every address in Holdrege. That project was completed on time in mid-2024. Since then, the company has been in the subscriber connection phase, activating new services daily. 

Glenwood’s investment in Phelps County is good for economic development efforts. 

“Reliable, high-speed fiber connectivity is a foundational driver of economic development, and its impact in Phelps County will be far reaching,” Rouse said. “Businesses, both existing and new, can now operate with greater efficiency, adopt cloud-based tools, expand their online presence, and compete in broader markets. For entrepreneurs and remote workers, access to fiber removes a major barrier to locating or staying in a rural area.” 

The new service also strengthens essential services like healthcare and education by enabling telehealth, virtual learning, and data intensive applications. 

“And most importantly, it makes the county more attractive to families, professionals, and employers who increasingly see reliable broadband as a basic requirement just like electricity or water,” Rouse said.

Community Response & Growth

The Holdrege community has embraced the project with enthusiasm. 

“The response from the Holdrege community has been positive, and Glenwood is grateful for the support we’ve received,” Rouse said. “From day one, residents and businesses have shown interest in having a local provider bring fast, reliable fiber service to their community. That trust has translated into steady customer growth since we began offering service in Holdrege.” 

Rouse said remote workers in Holdrege have said Glenwood’s new fiber broadband has improved their daily work routines. 

“Many have shared that switching to fiber has eliminated issues with downtime, buffering, and slow upload speeds during video calls and file transfers,” Rouse said. 

Also, residents and business owners have reported peace of mind knowing they have a reliable connection. “These personal accounts, where improved internet experience translates to reduced stress and increased productivity, affirm the value of our efforts,” Rouse said.

Powered by Partnership

Local partnerships were vital to the project’s success. The City of Holdrege and Phelps County worked closely with Glenwood on permitting and public right-of-way access, minimizing disruption and streamlining progress. PCDC’s support and local insight helped Glenwood tailor services to meet the community’s needs. 

“Additionally, PCDC has been a strong and consistent partner from day one,” Rouse said. “The PCDC staff’s guidance, local knowledge, and introductions to area businesses have been invaluable in helping us build meaningful relationships within the community.”