Rainbow Communications named Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month
By Melanie Davis
Inaugural Chamber E-Newsletter April 2025
Reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifeline. And for rural families across Doniphan County, Rainbow
Communications is making that lifeline stronger than ever. Honored as Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce
Business of the Month, Rainbow is being recognized not only for its cutting-edge fiber expansion but also for its
decades-long commitment to local communities.
The company’s latest project is transforming the digital experience for households that have long been considered
unserved or underserved by modern standards. Many have relied on degraded copper lines, spotty fixed wireless, or
worse—no service at all. Now, thanks to Rainbow’s all-fiber network, those same households are experiencing fast,
dependable internet that supports everything from streaming and remote work to gaming and smart-home devices.
“In places like Troy and Wathena, we’re upgrading from coaxial to a full fiber-optic system,” said Rainbow
Marketing Specialist Kinsey Elias. “It’s about future-proofing our network so our customers are ready for whatever
comes next—from AI to high-resolution media to fully connected homes.”
The buildout isn’t limited to just a few towns. Rainbow has plans to bring fiber to Highland and Elwood by 2026,
continuing its mission to provide world-class internet across Doniphan County.
Of course, expanding high-speed internet in rural areas is no easy task. One of the biggest hurdles is
cost—sometimes as high as $14,000 per home in remote areas. Rainbow credits a Kansas Office of Broadband
Development (KOBD) grant for helping offset those expenses. Construction delays and equipment shortages have
also posed challenges, but Rainbow remains committed to transparency and keeping the public informed every step
of the way.
What truly sets Rainbow apart from other providers is its unwavering dedication to people. “Two of our core values
are People First and Customer Experience Matters,” Elias shared. “We started as a cooperative in 1952, and we’ve
carried that community-focused mindset ever since. We’re not just bringing internet—we’re building relationships
and investing in the places we serve.”
That investment is on full display with their latest community initiative: a Casting Call for residents of Troy and
Wathena to share their fiber stories. The effort is part of Rainbow’s Dream Job campaign, designed to highlight how
fast, reliable broadband can empower kids to chase their dreams—whether in tech, healthcare, arts, agriculture, or
beyond.
“It’s about showing the real-world impact of this technology,” said Elias. “We want to celebrate the dreams of local
kids while also spotlighting the real difference fiber internet is making in everyday life.”
As Rainbow Communications continues to connect more households and support more dreams, the Doniphan
County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize their leadership, innovation, and heart. The future is fast
approaching in Doniphan County—and thanks to Rainbow, it’s more connected than ever.