It’s been nearly a
year since Tipmont’s
board unanimously
voted to authorize
the construction
and delivery of fiber
internet, video and
voice services. In
that time, we’ve completed a tremendous
amount of work toward realizing the
vision that you created for us. Your
feedback through surveys, letters, phone
calls, and in person was key to the
board’s decision. Affordable high-speed
broadband, in particular, is an essential
service that so many of you need.
When the board made the decision, it
was predicated on Tipmont constructing
the network alone. Having spent two
years completing feasibility studies and
market analyses, we were confident in our
ability, while also realizing that we faced a
significant learning curve. However, you
increasingly told us that you needed the
service as quickly as possible.
Acting on your feedback, we saw an ideal
opportunity to obtain the knowledge and
talent that would accelerate our efforts
to meet your needs. In mid-December,
Tipmont announced our acquisition of
Wintek Corporation in Lafayette. Based
on our extensive history of partnership,
common goals and shared values, it was
an easy conversation.
Tipmont and Wintek have a long history
of partnership. For over a decade,
Wintek has used our poles for portions
of their residential and business fiber
network. Wintek has also consulted on
our information technology systems
and helped provide connectivity to
various Tipmont resources, including
our headquarters in Linden. The longer
we worked with Wintek, the more we
recognized how their expertise and
knowledge of the fiber communications
industry could immediately strengthen
our labor force.
All of us will immediately benefit from
Wintek’s skills in network engineering,
fiber construction and the communication
services regulatory environment. Wintek’s
co-owners, Travis Bailey and Oliver Beers,
are joining Tipmont’s senior leadership
team. We will also utilize their existing
and stable infrastructure, especially as
it relates to fiber service. From Wintek’s
perspective, Tipmont provides the scale
and resources to achieve their vision of
fiber connectivity.
Finally, Tipmont and Wintek’s shared
mission is to provide essential
infrastructure that has a positive impact
on your life. You’ve likely noticed Wintek’s
involvement with Food Finder’s Food
Bank, Tippecanoe Historical Association
and Lafayette Urban Ministry. Or, you’ve
benefited from Wintek-provided free Wi-Fi
at the Tippecanoe County Fair or public
Wi-Fi in downtown Lafayette and West
Lafayette. Our focus, commitment and
dedication is to the place we all call home
— our community.
This is a revolutionary advancement
for our membership, and we’re already
starting to see the benefits. We posted
more information at tipmont.org/wintek. As
always, I welcome hearing your thoughts
and feedback at ceo@tipmont.org.
