Kanokla Celebrates Fiber Expansion and Smart Rural Community Designation in Medford

At Kanokla, our mission has always been about more than providing internet service. It is about connecting people, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for the places we proudly serve.

That mission was celebrated on July 17 in Medford, Oklahoma, to recognize two exciting milestones. The event celebrated the completion of Kanokla's latest fiber broadband expansion and Medford's designation as an NTCA Smart Rural Community. Key stakeholders in attendance were community leaders, residents, and state officials.

The celebration marked a large investment through years of planning. Through a $1.6 million grant from the Oklahoma Broadband Office's ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program, along with an additional $860,000 investment from Kanokla, symmetrical gigabit fiber service was extended to 104 homes and businesses within the city. Combined with previous expansion projects, Kanokla now provides fiber broadband to nearly 300 homes and businesses throughout Medford.

"Today is about much more than fiber optic cable. Today is about opportunity," said Kanokla Chief Executive Officer Jill Kuehny. "Reliable broadband creates opportunities for education, health care, economic development, and everyday life. We are proud to partner with communities like Medford as they continue to grow and thrive."

The event also recognized Medford as one of NTCA's Smart Rural Communities, which is a designation awarded to communities that use broadband to improve quality of life, strengthen economic development, and support innovation. The recognition reflects collaboration between multiple organizations working together to ensure the community is prepared for the future: Kanokla, the City of Medford, Medford Public Schools, Grant County, and the Oklahoma Broadband Office.

Kanokla Chief Operating Officer Dave Nance shared the company's history in Medford, beginning with wireless internet service and growing to managed IT services and today's fiber network. Each investment has reflected Kanokla's commitment to providing the technology rural communities need to succeed.

Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders praised Kanokla's dedication to serving rural Oklahoma and the partnerships that made the project possible.

"It's companies like Kanokla that have never forgotten their mission, have never forgotten who they serve and who they actually want to serve," Sanders said. "Partnerships and relationships matter because great companies like Kanokla make our job a lot easier."

Medford Economic Development Director Duane Thompson also recognized Kanokla's impact beyond broadband.

"We love working with local businesses like Kanokla," Thompson said. "They are always there to help us when needed. They help sponsor local events that make a big impact on the community we live in."

As technology continues to shape the future of rural America, Kanokla remains committed to investing in the communities we call home. Connections come from expanding fiber broadband, supporting local organizations, and partnering with community leaders. We believe strong connections create stronger communities.

We are proud to celebrate Medford's Smart Rural Community designation and look forward to continuing our work to bring reliable, future-ready broadband to the rural communities we are honored to serve.

By: Erma Ratliff Kanokla Community Engagement & Events Coordinator