Alva Review-Courier -

Monday night, Kiowa's City Council held a special meeting to discuss internet service in Kiowa that is provided by SCTelcom of Medicine Lodge.

SCTelcom General Manager Kelly Johnson attended the meeting to discuss the internet service in Kiowa. “I'd like to know where we're falling down,” Johnson said to council. That's after the subject was addressed at the regular November meeting.

At that previous meeting, Kiowa City Administrator Lou Leone was quoted saying in reference to SCTelcom, “Our current provider of internet service is poor and expensive in comparison to other cities.” He went on to say, “For example, Medicine Lodge is not required to get a phone line if you are purchasing internet. Also, 6/1 speeds are slow and expensive if given a basic service plan of $39.95/month.”

Leone had Geoff Thumma address the council at their regular November meeting. He is a business development manager with Optical Fiber Solutions of Washington state. OFS constructs fiber optics networks.

Thumma told council that what OFS offers is much faster and more economical than what Kiowa has now with SCTelcom.

Johnson visited with council, explaining SCTelcom's position. SCTelcom Board member Paul Harbaugh also attend the council meeting with Johnson.

Details of the approximately one and a half hour meeting will run in next week's Newsgram.