Western Iowa Networks Leverages Strategic Funding and Partnerships To Expand Fiber Optic Network
March 9th, 2025 by Ric Hanson
(Breda, Iowa) – Officials with Western Iowa Networks (WIN) say they are continuing to bridge the digital divide in rural Iowa. Through funding acquisitions and strategic partnerships, WIN has expanded its fiber optic network, delivering high-speed internet to underserved communities. Since 2019 WIN has constructed nearly 2,200 miles of fiber and added 22 communities to the list it serves with fiber optics.
WIN CEO Jeff Roiland says “We recognize that reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for rural communities to thrive. Thanks to critical funding programs like the USDA’s ReConnect Program, the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), and multiple rounds of the State of Iowa’s Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program, we’ve been able to accelerate our fiber expansion and bring world-class connectivity to unserved and underserved areas,” said WIN CEO Jeff Roiland.
A key contributor to WIN’s growth, according to Roiland, “has also been the USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, which supports broadband deployment in areas with limited connectivity. With ReConnect funding, WIN constructed a fiber network in the Arcadia, IA exchange, benefiting households, farms, and businesses.
“WIN’s participation in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) has further advanced broadband expansion. RDOF funding was awarded for projects in Mills and Crawford Counties, reinforcing WIN’s mission to bring cutting-edge fiber technology to rural areas. Beyond federal and state funding, WIN has partnered with local governments to facilitate fiber
expansion. Collaborations with Mills County and the City of Glenwood have been instrumental in advancing broadband projects. By working closely with local officials, WIN has addressed community needs and ensured long-term sustainability.”
WIN CEO Jeff Roiland continued, “Through these strategic investments and local partnerships, we’re not just building infrastructure—we’re creating opportunities for education, business growth, and innovation. We are proud of the work everyone at WIN has done to bring this state- of-the-art technology to the communities we serve.”
WIN currently serves nine counties, including the communities of Arcadia, Auburn, Breda, Carroll, Council Bluffs, Dedham, Denison, Farragut, Glenwood, Glidden, Halbur, Hastings, Lidderdale, Macedonia, Malvern, Maple River, Mineola, Mount Carmel, Nemaha, Pacific Junction, Roselle, Silver City, Treynor, Vail, Westside, and Willey residing in nine counties.
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About Western Iowa Networks: Breda Telephone Corp. ~ d.b.a. Western Iowa Networks (WIN) ~ is a leading communications company based in Breda, IA. It is one of western Iowa’s largest independent telephone companies, and one of the area’s most diverse service providers. WIN was founded in 1905 as Breda Telephone Company and today provides telephone, Internet, cellular, cable, and many complementary services to customers across Western and Southwestern Iowa.