Fiber Optic Upgrade

   Committed to the latest technology in telecommunications, the Kalona Cooperative Telephone Company launched a $6,100,000 five-year plan that will turn the Kalona telephone exchange into a state-of-the-art telecommunications enterprise.

   A major project in this plan is a comprehensive transformation of the entire system from copper lines to to fiber optic cable. While many telephone companies are upgrading their main backbone cables to the fiber optic standard, the connection from the backbone to residential and business lines still use regular copper lines. KCTC, however, is in the process of replacing most of its copper wire with fiber optics throughout the system.

   The upgrade to fiber optics has enabled KCTC to implement cutting-edge services such as two-way video conferencing, Internet services, and high-speed data transmission. Interactive cable TV is just around the corner for all KCTC customers, even in remote and rural areas. Another service being considered by KCTC is digital cable TV transmission over telephone lines.

   Completion of Phase 1 of the upgrade included a Siemens EWSD class 5 end office switch and a new fiber optic toll route, as well as several fiber optic routes that run North and South of Kalona. In addition, a new fiber optic long distance cable was installed along Highway 1 to connect the Kalona area with a US West trunk line. Although local rates were increased over a five year period by $1 a month, KCTC was able to finance the $2,000,000 required for this phase entirely from its cash reserves.

   Phase 2 consisted of installing fiber and deployment of DSC lightwave equipment by way of TR-303 interface into the EWSD switch. KCTC also deployed a Toll Sonet Ring during this time.

   In Phase 3, KCTC plans to install fiber optic cable from the backbone to every house and place of business in Kalona that necessitates high speed data transfer. KCTC's number of access lines has increased from 1,747 to 1,975.

   With a recently upgraded and expanded pager service, KCTC can now offer statewide and area-wide coverage through a digital messaging service.

   In 1999 Iowa Wireless Services announced its partnership with KCTC, bringing wireless service to the area. Built-in features of the service allow customers to send and receive e-mail, voice mail and text messaging all in one unit. In July of 2000, a PCS tower was completed to include the town of Washington in KCTC's expanding digital wireless coverage. KCTC partnered with three established local businesses in Washington to support the growing PCS customer base in that area.