Dodge City, Kansas, June 19, 2026 — Building on its recent announcement of a new fiber project in Jetmore, United is continuing its investment in Southwest Kansas with a new fiber network build in Protection. United’s Board of Trustees has approved a project to make fiber internet available to more than 300 homes and businesses, primarily within the city limits of Protection. Construction is expected to begin in late fall 2026, weather and other factors permitting.
For 75 years, United has served Southwest Kansas, helping residents, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations stay connected to opportunities that reliable communications make possible.
“United has always believed rural communities deserve access to the same quality of connectivity typically only available in larger urban areas,” said United General Manager/CEO Todd Houseman. “This project reflects our mission of investing in the long-term strength and vitality of the communities we serve, and ensures that Protection has the communications infrastructure it needs to compete, grow, and remain a great place to live and do business for generations to come.”
Once complete, the new fiber network will give Protection residents and businesses access to multi-gig internet speeds, supporting remote work, online learning, telehealth, streaming entertainment, e-commerce, and precision ag. The network will also provide access to United’s full suite of services, including voice services and feature-rich United Streaming TV.
United will share additional updates on its Facebook page and at getunited.com.
About United
Headquartered in Dodge City, Kansas, United has been serving Southwest Kansas since 1951 as a member-owned communications provider. United delivers state-of-the-art internet, television, wireless, and voice services and is recognized by NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association as a Smart Rural Community Multi-Gig Provider. United is focused on providing reliable, high-quality connectivity while strengthening the communities it serves. To learn more, visit getunited.com.
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