A few answers regarding Broadband Stimulus Funding

You may have heard about Eagle Communications CEO Gary Shorman’s recent testimony in front of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology regarding federal funding for broadband services expansion.

Mr. Shorman was invited by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee to explain Eagle’s situation with members of Congress because Congress is taking a closer look at how broadband money was distributed under the economic stimulus plan.

Eagle’s situation isn’t the only one in the United States. During the subcommittee hearing, Congressman John Shimkus of Illinois mentioned similar issues in his district where broadband service providers similar to Eagle  that were fighting the same battle of competing with a company who had received taxpayer funding.

Here are some answers to questions we’ve received:

Q: Why is Eagle raising the issue now?

A:     Eagle does not have a beef with NexTech or Government Recovery Act funds. The objective of Recovery Act funding was to provide more broadband in rural communities. We know there are places in Kansas with inadequate broadband Internet service, but Hays, Kansas is not one of those places. According to the Kansas Corporation Commission, 99.99% of homes in Ellis County, Kansas (where Hays is located) have access to high speed Internet (3 to 6 Mbps downloads).

Q: Doesn’t Eagle just have “sour grapes” that they didn’t get any funding?

A: No. Eagle did apply for a grant.  However, Eagle’s applications focused on serving areas where there were truly un-served customers. One example would be our application for a grant in Cheyenne County that would have provided wireless services to rural customers near St. Francis, Kansas (where only 56% of households have access to high speed Internet). This is significantly different than NexTech’s application that included overbuilding Hays. Eagle DID NOT apply for a loan or grant in Ellis County or Hays as this area is already well served.

We know that in this information age, you deserve to have information straight from the horse’s mouth. In the upcoming days, weeks and months, we plan to use this space to keep you informed regarding the status of Eagle’s and other broadband providers’ fight against wasteful spending of everyone’s tax dollars.

Gary Shorman Named Hays Citizen of the Year

 

Congratulations, Gary!

Kurt David Named Eagle's Chief Operating Officer

Kurt K. David, who has served as Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Communications since 2006, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President.  

"We believe that advancing good people is one of the hallmarks of the success of our employee owned company,” said Eagle Communications President Gary Shorman. “Kurt’s considerable strategic and financial experience combined with his knowledge of our radio, cable television, and broadband business made this an easy and smart decision for our company.”

David’s role will expand to additional oversight of Eagle business operations and corporate operations including property leases, employee benefits, the 401K, and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP.)

“As our company continues to expand with radio and broadband in terms of geography and scope of service, centralizing the financial, HR, and legal compliance responsibilities, allows our front line managers and General Managers to focus on company growth and customer service,” said David. “It is very gratifying to know that the board of directors and our employee owners trust me to take on this added responsibility.”

David has worked as part of the financial services and communications industry in Kansas for over 25 years. He earned an undergraduate degree in Finance and Management from Kansas State University and a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Kansas and  a Masters of Agribusiness from Kansas State University.  He is an active member of Rotary, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Heart of America Development, the Hadley Foundation and Young Life.  Kurt and his wife Kathy have two children Jennifer (20) and Hayden (18).  

Eagle Communications, Inc. is a Kansas-based Broadband Services and Media Company with over 250 employee-owners. The company operates 25 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri as well as cable TV systems in 32 Kansas and Colorado communities. The company also offers e-business solutions, web hosting, telephone service, high-speed Internet, and wireless Internet in most service areas. For more information log on to http://www.myeaglecom.net.