What Kalona Cooperative Technology Company does

Kalona Cooperative Technology Company (KCTC) is a member-owned telecommunications cooperative founded in 1905 and headquartered in Kalona, Iowa, serving residential and small business customers in rural southeastern Iowa (Kalona, Washington, and Wayland exchanges, with expansion underway into Ainsworth). The company operates a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network delivering up to 2 Gbps symmetric speeds, supplemented by a fixed wireless network using Tarana Wireless technology across 30+ tower locations acquired through the 2023 Farmtel Communications purchase.

KCTC's product portfolio spans residential and business fiber/wireless internet (plans $49.99–$249.99/month), NICP-powered TV streaming, cloud-hosted VoIP business phone systems, Arlo residential and Alibi commercial security systems, managed Wi-Fi with the CommandIQ app, and both residential and business managed IT services backed by ConnectWise, SentinelOne, Keeper, and MalwareBytes. Account access is centralized through the SmartHub mobile app and web portal.

Revenue is generated almost entirely through monthly recurring subscriptions across residential internet, business internet, TV, VoIP, managed IT, and security services, with one-time installation/activation fees as a secondary stream. The company distributes through direct-to-consumer channels (SmartHub online sign-up, phone sales, walk-in offices in Kalona, Washington, and Wayland) and field/enterprise sales for business customers, supported by community engagement, referral bonuses ($40 credit per referral), and local sponsorships. As a cooperative, KCTC is governed by a member-elected board and returns net income to members via capital credit refunds.

Name

Kalona Cooperative Technology Company

Legal name

Kalona Cooperative Telephone Company

Website

https://kctc.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1905

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Rural Telecommunications Services

NAICS

Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (51711), Wired Telecommunications Carriers (517111), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)

SIC

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) (4813), Services-Telephone Interconnect Systems (7385), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Unified Communications & Collaboration Network Services (VoIP/QoS) (BPAEAEAI)

Keywords

• Fiber broadband services
• Fixed wireless internet
• Voip phone systems
• Managed it services
• Home security systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Kalona

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Residential Internet Services: Monthly recurring subscription revenue from residential fiber and fixed wireless internet plans. Plans range from $49.99/month (Wireless 25) to $159.99/month (Ultimate 2 Gbps fiber). Revenue is recurring on a monthly billing cycle with autopay options. Bundled with managed Wi-Fi, security features, and the SmartHub account management app.
2. Business Internet Services: Monthly recurring revenue from dedicated business internet plans (Home Office 250 Mbps at $89.99/mo, Small Office 500 Mbps at $149.99/mo, Business Pro 1 Gbps at $199.99/mo, Enterprise Elite 2 Gbps at $249.99/mo). Enhanced support tiers and managed Wi-Fi included. Optional add-ons include SmartBiz managed network ($25/mo) and Keeper Security.
3. Television Services (NICP TV): Monthly recurring revenue from TV service powered by NICP, with two main tiers: Essential (45 channels, $61.99/mo) and Expanded (59 channels, $179.99/mo). Additional add-on packages for Sports & News ($9.99/mo), Family Favorites, Movies & Music, and Spanish-language channels. Cloud DVR storage available as add-on.
4. VoIP Telephone Services: Monthly subscription revenue from business VoIP services with custom pricing. Features include cloud-hosted PBX, auto attendant, call recording, mobile app, multi-site support, and number porting. Revenue model is subscription-based, with custom quotes provided per business.
5. Managed IT Services: Monthly recurring revenue from managed IT subscriptions: Residential Managed IT (Basic and Standard plans with device protection, antivirus, and support); Business Managed IT (managed cybersecurity, patch management, and IT support per device per month). Professional IT services, device repairs, and retail device sales also contribute.
6. Security Systems: Monthly subscription revenue from Arlo home security camera subscriptions (Front Door $19.95/mo, Essential $49.95/mo, Whole Home $64.95/mo) with optional add-on cameras and floodlight. Alibi business security systems sold with installation and ongoing monitoring. Equipment sales and installation fees also apply.
7. Antivirus & Data Backup: MalwareBytes Premium antivirus sold as annual subscription ($49.99/device/year). Axcient/Carbonite cloud backup services offered in three tiers (individual computer, multiple computers, computers + servers) for residential and business customers.
8. Equipment & Installation Fees: One-time revenue from equipment sales, installation fees (e.g., $150 activation for Basic fiber plan, $40 activation fee), and retail device sales. Business security systems and Arlo security equipment also generate one-time hardware revenue alongside monthly service subscriptions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Kalona Cooperative Technology Company (KCTC) is a member-owned telecommunications cooperative delivering fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and fixed wireless broadband, VoIP business phone systems, streaming TV, landline telephone, residential and business security camera systems, and managed IT, antivirus, cloud backup, and password management services. Service is concentrated in rural southeastern Iowa across Kalona, Washington, Wayland, and Ainsworth exchanges.

Product overview

Kalona Cooperative Technology Company (KCTC) operates as a telecommunications cooperative providing an integrated portfolio of connectivity and technology services. The core offerings center on fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet across multiple residential and business tiers, VoIP business phone systems, and NICP-powered TV streaming services. Adjacent products include home and business security systems (Arlo, Alibi), managed IT services (both residential and business), cloud backup solutions (Axcient, Carbonite), antivirus software (MalwareBytes, AVG), and password management (Keeper). Value-added network services include Managed Wi-Fi with CommandIQ app featuring Protect IQ security monitoring and Experience IQ parental controls, plus SmartBiz for business network management. Account access is centralized through SmartHub platform and mobile apps. The cooperative serves rural southeast Iowa communities including Kalona, Washington, and Wayland.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KCTC Fiber Internet Fiber-to-the-home broadband service for residential customers delivering symmetric and gigabit speeds (150 Mbps to 2 Gbps) with unlimited data. Includes Managed Wi-Fi and security features on higher tiers.
• Business Internet Commercial fiber internet plans for businesses and home offices ranging from 250 Mbps to 2 Gbps with enhanced business support, priority response, and SmartBiz add-on options.
• Fixed Wireless Internet (Farmtel) Rural fixed wireless broadband service using Tarana Wireless technology delivered through 30+ tower locations, providing 25 to 250 Mbps to customers outside fiber coverage areas.
• KCTC TV (NICP) Streaming television service powered by NICP with local channels, premium networks, cloud DVR, and Spanish-language and sports add-on packages.
• VoIP Business Phone System Cloud-hosted business VoIP telephone service with auto attendant, call routing/recording/queuing, video collaboration, mobile app, CRM integration, multi-site support, number porting, voicemail-to-email, and analytics.
• Landline Phone Service Traditional landline telephone service offering local and long-distance calling options to residential and business customers.
• Arlo Home Security Residential home security camera subscriptions with wireless doorbells, indoor/outdoor cameras, and Arlo Secure app. KCTC handles installation, Wi-Fi optimization, and provides 24/7 support.
• Alibi Business Security System Commercial-grade video surveillance for businesses, farms, and agricultural operations with high-definition cameras, infrared night vision, PTZ, network video storage, and motion detection alerts.
• Managed IT (Business) Comprehensive IT management for businesses with ConnectWise-powered monitoring, SentinelOne AI cybersecurity, Keeper password management, patch management, QuickBooks support, and annual employee cybersecurity training.
• Residential Managed IT Home technology management with Basic and Standard plans providing antivirus, device setup, password management via Keeper, home automation integration, and priority tech support.
• Managed Wi-Fi Managed home Wi-Fi with commercial-grade router, security and software updates, after-hours support, optional mesh units, and CommandIQ app control.
• Axcient Cloud Backup Cloud backup service for computers and servers with automatic encrypted backups and compliance support for HIPAA, FERPA, and GLBA.
• Carbonite File Backup Business file backup solution protecting files from hardware failures and ransomware attacks through cloud-based encrypted storage.
• MalwareBytes Antivirus Certified reseller offering of MalwareBytes Premium providing protection against malware, ransomware, viruses, spyware, and Trojans with browser guard and web security features.
• Keeper Password Manager Zero-trust password management platform with encrypted vault, two-factor authentication, biometric login, and team management capabilities for businesses and residential customers.
• SmartBiz Managed Network Managed Wi-Fi solution for small businesses providing four segmented networks (primary, staff, POS, customer), customer Wi-Fi captive portal, cellular backup, and PCI DSS compliance support.
• Community Meeting Room Rental Conference room rental facility at KCTC Kalona headquarters (100-person capacity) for community members and organizations, with discounts for chamber members and non-profits.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 2 Gbps fiber internet with 20ms latency for lag-free gaming and uninterrupted video call streaming (Ultimate Package)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

AI capability6 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Farmtel CommunicationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023KCTC acquired Farmtel Communications in 2023. Farmtel's high-speed wireless internet services (30+ tower locations) were extended to other locations served by KCTC, expanding the fixed wireless network throughout southeastern Iowa. The acquisition strengthened KCTC's services and demonstrated a long-term focus on robust telecom solutions in the region.
• Iowa Wireless ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Iowa Wireless Services partnered with KCTC in 1999 to bring digital wireless service to the area. This partnership enabled customers to send and receive email, voicemail, and text messaging from a single unit, and allowed KCTC to replace outdated copper lines in Wellman and Sharon Center/Hills exchanges with fiber optic cable.
• TARANA (Tarana Wireless)coreTechnology or IntegrationTARANA provides the wireless technology platform for KCTC's fixed wireless internet service (Wireless 250 plan at $119.99/month, 250/50 Mbps). KCTC uses Tarana's proprietary wireless broadband technology across its 30+ tower locations in southeastern Iowa to deliver high-speed internet to rural areas outside fiber coverage. This is a core infrastructure partnership enabling rural broadband delivery.
• SentinelOnecoreTechnology or IntegrationSentinelOne provides AI-powered cybersecurity protection for KCTC's business Managed IT service. The platform protects business devices from viruses, ransomware, and advanced cyber threats. SentinelOne is a core component of KCTC's 'three-layered security shield' for businesses, stopping active threats before they spread and enabling instant recovery.
• ConnectWisecoreTechnology or IntegrationConnectWise powers KCTC's proactive IT management platform for business customers. KCTC uses ConnectWise to monitor and manage business systems to prevent issues before they become problems. This is the operational backbone of KCTC's Managed IT service offering.
• Keeper SecuritycoreTechnology or IntegrationKeeper Security is a zero-trust password management and cybersecurity platform offered by KCTC as both a standalone product and as a bundled feature in business and residential plans. Keeper provides secure password vaults, role-based access control, biometric login, and team management. Included free in the 2 GIG Enterprise Elite business plan and included with residential Standard/Pro/Ultimate internet packages. KCTC is a certified reseller and partner of Keeper.
• MalwareBytescoreTechnology or IntegrationKCTC is a proud certified reseller of MalwareBytes' award-winning computer security suite. MalwareBytes Premium ($49.99/device/year) is offered through KCTC to residential and business customers for protection against ransomware, viruses, spyware, trojans, malware, and rootkits. This partnership enables KCTC to provide comprehensive endpoint security as part of its technology services portfolio.
• Carbonite (via Axcient)coreTechnology or IntegrationKCTC offers Carbonite cloud backup services through its partnership with Axcient. Services include individual computer backup, unlimited computer backup (supports HIPAA, FERPA, GLBA compliance), and cloud/server backup with both cloud and onsite backup targets. Part of KCTC's technology services offering for both residential and business customers.
• Alibi BusinesscoreTechnology or IntegrationAlibi Business provides high-quality video surveillance equipment installed by KCTC's qualified local technicians for business security systems. Products include high-definition cameras with infrared night vision, PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom), network video storage, and motion detection alerts. KCTC offers Alibi security systems specifically for agriculture operations, retail, staff, and inventory protection.
• ArlocoreTechnology or IntegrationArlo provides home security camera systems (Front Door, Essential, Whole Home packages) sold and installed exclusively through KCTC. KCTC technicians handle camera installation, Wi-Fi optimization, and device configuration. Exclusive KCTC Arlo Secure benefits include no upfront camera cost, local installation by qualified technicians, 24/7 support, and device replacement. Subscription plans range from $19.95/month to $64.95/month.
• NICP (Network Inside Cable Plant)coreTechnology or IntegrationNICP (Network Inside Cable Plant) powers KCTC's TV streaming service, delivering local channels, robust channel lineups, and premium networks to KCTC customers. KCTC TV powered by NICP includes Essential (45 channels, $61.99/mo) and Expanded (59 channels, $179.99/mo) tiers, with add-on packages. The service features pause live TV, cloud DVR recording, and viewing on multiple devices (iPad, AppleTV, Amazon Fire TV, FireStick).
• Cloudburst 9minorOthersCloudburst 9 is listed as a KCTC affiliate on the company website. The nature of the affiliation is not detailed in available source material.
• Aureon (Aureon Charity / Aureon Maker Space Grant)minorOthersAureon has provided grants to KCTC-supported community projects, including a $500 Aureon charity grant for Little Me & Co daycare in Wayland and a Maker Space grant for the Washington County library providing 3D printers, laser engravers, and pottery equipment. Aureon also partnered with KCTC on a Washington County Fair Board grant for accessible bathroom facilities.
• SmartRuralminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSmartRural is a rural broadband initiative/network partnership that KCTC participates in, as evidenced by its branding on the residential services page. The partnership positions KCTC as part of a broader rural technology network, potentially enabling cross-promotion and shared resources among rural broadband cooperatives.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Allo Communications: Allo Communications is a fiber-to-the-home internet, TV, and phone provider serving rural and underserved communities in Nebraska and Colorado. KCTC and Allo operate nearly identical business models: local utility-like cooperative, gigabit fiber, multi-service bundling, and rural focus on small communities bypassed by national carriers.
• Mahaska Communication Group (MCG): Mahaska Communication Group is an Iowa-based communications cooperative providing fiber internet, telephone, television, and managed services in southeast Iowa — directly overlapping KCTC's rural southeastern Iowa service region. Closest geographic and structural peer as fellow Iowa co-op telecom.
• Premier Communications: Premier Communications is an Iowa-based cooperative offering fiber internet, cable TV, phone, managed IT, and security services to rural northwest Iowa. Highly comparable cooperative structure, multi-service portfolio, and rural Iowa fiber focus make it a direct peer to KCTC.
• South Slope Cooperative Communications: South Slope Cooperative Communications is an Iowa cooperative providing fiber internet, telephone, TV, and managed services to eastern Iowa communities near Iowa City. Closely mirrors KCTC's cooperative ownership, fiber buildout, and multi-service rural broadband business model.
• Vexus Fiber: Vexus Fiber is a growing fiber-to-the-home and business ISP serving smaller metropolitan and rural communities across Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and increasingly the Midwest. Comparable fiber-only business model targeting underserved markets similar to KCTC, though Vexus is venture-backed and rapidly expanding rather than cooperative-owned.

Broad incumbents

• Mediacom Communications: Mediacom is one of the largest cable broadband providers in Iowa and the rural Midwest, offering internet, TV, phone, and home security. Significantly larger and a publicly held incumbent that competes with KCTC for residential and SMB customers in overlapping southeastern Iowa markets.
• TDS Telecom: TDS Telecom is a major rural-focused incumbent telecommunications company offering fiber, cable, and DSL internet plus TV and voice services across rural America. Broader incumbent with overlapping rural service territory and a comparable multi-service portfolio, though operating at much greater scale than KCTC.
• Frontier Communications: Frontier Communications is a national incumbent telco providing fiber and copper broadband, voice, and TV services, with heavy concentration in rural and small-town markets. Directly competes with KCTC's core telephone and fiber offerings in parts of Iowa and serves as the established alternative KCTC's customers historically switched away from.
• Lumen Technologies (CenturyLink): Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink) operates one of the largest fiber and copper telecom networks in the US and is a major broadband competitor across Iowa. Broad incumbent with overlapping fiber/wireline telecom services in KCTC's wider region, though Lumen serves enterprise and national wholesale markets far beyond KCTC's footprint.

Emerging players

• Metronet: Metronet (now a subsidiary of AT&T) is one of the fastest-growing fiber-to-the-home ISPs in the Midwest and US, serving small and mid-sized markets. While KCTC operates as a cooperative, Metronet competes head-to-head in many upper-Midwest geographies and represents the kind of scale challenger KCTC will increasingly encounter as fiber competition intensifies in rural Iowa.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/kalonacoop
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Kalonatelco
• Facebookfacebook.com/KalonaCoopTechCo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kalona-cooperative-technology-company
• Instagraminstagram.com/kalonacooptechco

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kalona Cooperative Technology Company