Community Broadband Action Network

Member Spotlight - Open Country

The CBAN member‑spotlight episode introduces Open Country, a turnkey fiber‑to‑the‑home contractor serving small‑to‑mid‑size operators (MSOs) in underserved rural America. Hosted by Curtis Dean, the interview features co‑founders Todd Gatsky and Brett Niles discussing a three‑year, 30,000‑home rollout in Washington State. Open Country differentiates itself by handling every phase—from engineering and design to trenching, pole work, and final customer connection—under a single logo, eliminating the confusion of multiple subcontractors. The firm reports building 10‑12 miles of fiber each week, with regional cost variations; western projects can cost roughly $2 more per foot than Midwestern jobs. The team highlighted the high‑value but often overlooked multi‑dwelling unit (MDU) market, noting that a single ignored MDU can yield 50‑60 new subscribers. They also described the permitting hurdles in cities like Federal Way, where daily crew activity can generate dozens of resident calls, requiring coordinated outreach and city liaison work. These capabilities position Open Country as a critical enabler for expanding broadband in low‑density areas, offering MSOs a cost‑per‑passing model that improves profitability while accelerating deployment timelines. Their integrated approach and strong municipal relationships could set a new standard for rural fiber projects nationwide.