New Signal Provides Better Network Reception

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Amy Moan                                                                                                 Heather Tweedy
Marketing and Public Relations Manager                                                  Media Representative
Phone: 402.456.6429                                                                               Phone: 402.301.7320
Email: amoan@gpcom.com                                                                        Email: heather@brightskyinteractive.com

June 26, 2012 – A new way of transporting the signal for local broadcast channels will provide many residents with much more reliable access.

Residents of Arnold, Callaway, Oconto, Stapleton, McCook, Sutherland, and Broken Bow will receive the new signal.

The affected channels include NBC, CBS, FOX and ABC provided by Great Plains Communications. The new transport system is possible due to significant investment from the company in a state-of-the-art fiber network system throughout Nebraska. The network is now more than 3,000 square miles in size.

In the past, the signal or "feed" for these channels was sent by the station over the air. This system left the signal vulnerable to signal loss due to changes in weather conditions. The networks will now be broadcast using the digital studio feeds. This method of transport provides a much more stable signal that will provide a superior level of quality for viewers.

The change was made possible through purchase of studio feeds from Charter Communications. Negotiations have been in the works for quite some time.

The change will currently affect standard definition broadcast channels with HD channels expected to follow in the near future.

"We knew that we wanted a better solution for providing the best possible quality for these popular channels. While the new feeds are a significant investment for Great Plains Communications, in terms of technology and licensing, we are very excited to be making the switch and to be able to provide a very stable signal to our customers," said LeaAnn Quist, Director of Cable at Great Plains Communications.

Great Plains Communications is the largest independent telecommunications company in Nebraska and provides services solely to rural areas. It offers residential services such as digital phone including local and long distance calling, as well as high-definition cable television. Broadband Internet is available in all Great Plains Communications’ communities through DSL and cable modem facilities or its partnership with ExedeSM Broadband Satellite Service. The company also provides business services ranging from traditional voice and data products to the installation and support of large business networks. With 102 years of experience, the company currently serves 90 communities with 200 employees throughout Nebraska.