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For 75 years, United has been built by neighbors who believed Southwest Kansas deserved to stay connected.
What began in 1951 as a small group of local farmers working together to bring telephone service to rural communities has grown into the United Family of Companies—delivering fiber internet, wireless, voice, video, and broadband services across the region.
Through changing technologies and generations of member-owners, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to investing in the communities we call home.
Today, we’re proud to carry forward a legacy built on service, local leadership, and a belief that rural communities deserve the very best.
Local Roots. Lasting Impact.
THEN. NOW. ALWAYS CONNECTED.
Here’s a look at 75 years of connection.
Expansion, Expansion!
1954 – Dial tone equipment located in the Spearville central office
United’s growth accelerated in the 1950s with the purchase of exchanges across Southwest Kansas, including Spearville, Cimarron, Montezuma, Copeland, Ingalls, Ashland, Englewood, and Ensign. As dial tone service was introduced and infrastructure improved, events like the 1953 ice storm proved the reliability of United’s new pole lines—helping build trust with customers and laying the foundation for the cooperative’s future.
Moving into the Digital Age
1984 – New computers are installed in the office
United continued modernizing in the late 20th century, purchasing toll facilities in the late 1970s and introducing office computers in the mid-1980s. In 1980, United Communications Association was formed to bring cable TV service to most United exchanges. By 1997, United entered the internet era with dial-up service, followed by faster DSL internet introduced across all exchanges in 2000—marking a major leap in connectivity for local communities.
Humble Beginnings
1956 – First Business Office
In 1951, when the large provider at the time showed no interest in bringing telephone service to the rural areas surrounding Dodge City, a group of local farmers and community leaders decided to take matters into their own hands. By associating together and forming a not-for-profit cooperative, they built the foundation for what would become United.
What began with early party lines and dial service has grown into the United Family of Companies, delivering fiber, voice, wireless, video, and broadband networks across Southwest Kansas—always rooted in the neighbors and communities we serve.