Kanokla Updates

For over 30 years, Kanokla has been part of something truly special — a rural cellular network partnership that connected people along the Kansas-Oklahoma line long before cell phones became part of everyday life. What started as a bold investment in wireless technology evolved into a decades-long success story, bringing cellular coverage to places others overlooked. A partnership of five telecommunications companies banded together to solve a rural problem–something no one

Customer service has to evolve as fast as technology—and that’s not always easy. In today’s world of chatbots, hold music, and endless automated menus, it can feel almost impossible to talk to a real person. For many large companies, customer service has become more about efficiency than empathy. But at Kanokla, we see it differently. We believe great service isn’t a department—it’s a relationship. It’s knowing your name, understanding your concern, and making sure you leave

As a member-owned cooperative, Kanokla believes success is measured not only in the connections we build, but in the communities we strengthen. Since our founding in 1951, we’ve proudly invested in the towns and people we serve—supporting education, local development, and projects that improve quality of life across our region. To ensure this legacy continues for generations to come, Kanokla’s Board of Directors has established the Kanokla Forever Fund, a Community Developmen

Kanokla is excited to announce that construction has begun on our long-awaited ReConnect 1 Fiber-to-the-Home Project. This project represents a major investment in the future of our rural communities - bringing world-class fiber internet to homes and businesses across parts of Kay and Osage counties in Oklahoma, and Cowley and Sumner counties in Kansas. How We Got Here Kanokla was awarded the USDA ReConnect 1 Grant in April 2020 to deliver high-speed broadband to the underser

Elisha Downing has been elected as the District 1 Director, bringing with her a strong background in emergency services, deep rural roots, and a passion for community-focused telecommunications. A lifelong resident of Manchester, Oklahoma, Elisha’s commitment to service and integrity is deeply grounded in her upbringing on her family’s farm just south of town. Formerly known as Elisha German, she was raised in a household that valued hard work and community involvement. Her g

We’re excited to kick off the 6th year of our Kanokla Internship Program with five outstanding interns who will spend the summer gaining hands-on experience, learning about our industry, and contributing to real projects across the company. Meet the 2025 Kanokla Intern Class: Cooper Hatfield and Marcus Provost will divide their time in our plant department with a focus on mapping/engineering and broadband technology, supporting network growth and infrastructure planning. Audr

Kanokla is proud to announce the promotion of Alysia Keller to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) — a role that recognizes not only her financial expertise but also her deep-rooted commitment to our cooperative, our people, and the rural communities we serve. Alysia began her journey with Kanokla in 1997 as an Assistant Accountant. Her talent, work ethic, and passion for precision quickly earned her recognition. She was promoted to Accountant in 2010, then to Finance Manager in 20

The Other 5 Active Projects By the time our RUS Reconnect 1 project breaks ground, we will wrap up 3 of 5 of our other active broadband grant projects, nail the halfway milestones on one actively under construction, and hopefully wrap up the cumbersome environmental requirements to kick off the 5th. Kanokla is leveraging state broadband dollars to connect more communities to our robust core network. In Kansas, we successfully buttoned up our Lasting Infrastructure Network Con

Change is a funny thing. It excites some and unsettles others, even when we know it’s necessary. That’s human nature—our brains are wired to fear loss more than they value gain. When change knocks, many of us instinctively brace ourselves for more work, more energy, and more risk. It’s survival instinct: conserve now in case we have to hunt for food or run from a bear later. In our rural communities, we’re used to making do. We’ve learned to thrive with less, to adapt, to per

Mental Health Awareness Month is more than just a calendar observance—it’s a chance to look inward, speak outward, and encourage others to do the same. As someone who has walked a tough personal journey, I know the value of talking openly about mental health, especially in small, rural towns where silence can sometimes feel louder than support. Since becoming a full-time member of the Kanokla Design Studio team in January, I’ve been reminded every day how important it is to f

Kanokla is proud to recognize Glenda Alexander as the recipient of this year’s Community Service Award, celebrating her lifelong dedication, quiet leadership, and unwavering service to Hardtner and the greater Barber County area. For Glenda, community service isn't about a single act—it's about a lifetime of stepping up, showing up, and making things happen. Whether it's holding nearly every office in countless local organizations, lending a hand at community events, or organ

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