Internet

Managed Protection does not cover new jack installations, customer-owned devices (TVs, computers, streaming devices), damage caused by negligence or disasters, business phone systems, or guaranteed whole-home wireless coverage. Additional equipment or services may require extra charges.

Managed Protection gives you peace of mind. You get expert technical support, in-home service when needed, router replacement, and network diagnostics all for one low monthly price. It helps keep your home Wi-Fi strong, secure, and reliable year-round while avoiding costly service charges.

Managed Protection is a monthly service that includes a high-performance dual-band router, automatic firmware updates, and ongoing technical support. If an issue cannot be fixed over the phone, a technician will come to your home during business hours at no additional cost.

Your modem is the gateway that sits between your equipment and GBT’s equipment. It simply translates the digital signal that runs on copper, coax, or fiber cables and turns it into a signal that your router and devices can understand.

Routers are important because they control how your internet is shared with all of your devices. A good router helps your internet stay fast, reliable, and stable, especially when multiple devices are connected at the same time. If a router is outdated or low quality, it can cause slow speeds, buffering, and dropped connections, even if your internet service itself is working properly.

Routers are not all the same. While they all connect your devices to the internet, they differ in speed, coverage, and how many devices they can support at once. The right router depends on your internet speed, the size of your home, and how many devices you use. If you are unsure which router is best for you, the GBT team is happy to answer questions and help with selecting or purchasing the right router.

Reboot your Modem

  1. Unplug the power cord from the back of your modem
  2. Count to 15
  3. Plug it back in.
  4. Wait a couple minutes for it to re-establish a connection. Launch a browser and wait to see if the page comes up.
  5. If this doesn’t work perhaps there is a temporary outage.
  6. Or if you have a Wi-Fi router you can try the troubleshooting steps for that item.

Reboot your Wi-Fi Router

Make sure to follow the order listed to turn the equipment off and back on in a particular sequence.

  1. Turn off your computer(s).
  2. Unplug the modem’s power cord.
  3. If a router is connected, unplug the routers’ power cord.
  4. Check for loose cables.
  5. Plug in the modem.

Check for service outage

Make sure to follow the order listed to turn the equipment off and back on in a particular sequence.

  1. Wait 15-30 minutes and try to get on the internet again.
  2. Visit our website for outage information, here.
  3. Call us at 785-372-4236
  4. In some cases service is interrupted for non-payment. If you think this may be the reason for the outage, call us at 1-800-432-7965.

Run a speed test

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable directly from your modem to your computer (testing with Wi-Fi can significantly impact your results).
  2. Go to speedtest.net, then click “Go” in the circle that appears in the middle of your screen.
  3. We recommend that you run the test several times, at different times of day for an accurate sampling.
  4. Please let us know if your download speed does not reflect the tier of service to which you subscribed.

What could adversely affect my test results?

  1. Run the speed test over a wired connection directly to your modem. Performance over a Wi-Fi network is greatly impacted by a number of things not within GBT’s control. Try connecting directly to the modem before running your speed test.
  2. Multiple devices on the same connection in your household could affect the reading. Try to run the test at a time when the only running device is the computer you are using to run the test.
  3. Run the speed test at different times of day. If you test during the hours with the highest network traffic, there is no way to guarantee your speed unless you subscribe to a dedicated connection.
  4. What is the age of your computer? Just like all technology, computers and equipment advance at a rapid pace. It is possible that if you use an older computer, it will be unable to fully utilize the speeds delivered over your internet connection.
  5. Make sure all programs are closed on your computer before running the test. If any programs were running when you ran the first test, shut down all programs and run the speed test again to see if it affects your results.
  6. Re-start your device to ensure an accurate reading. Try to run the speed test right after re-starting your computer, or check your Task Manager to shut down any active processes before running the test.
  7. If you have a firewall installed on your computer, it could affect the reading. Close down your firewall temporarily while you run the speed test and turn it back on when you finish.
  8. Virus and malware could also impede your computer from running at full speed. Be sure that you keep your computer protected from these malicious programs by installing virus and malware protection.

GBT provisions our modems and engineers our network to provide our customers the speed to which they subscribe. However, we cannot guarantee that you will achieve those speeds at all times, which is why the service is advertised as “up to” a specific level.

If you have run the speed test and are not completely satisfied with the results, please let us know so that we can ensure your service is properly provisioned and working correctly. Call us at 785-372-4236.

Capital Credits, Voice

A capital credit refund is money returned to members from excess revenue GBT collects while operating at cost. Each year, GBT sets aside any remaining revenue and allocates it to members based on how much service they use. When finances allow, these capital credits are retired and returned to members as a refund, typically by check. This helps ensure each generation of members pays its own share of the cooperative’s costs.

Each year, the GBT Board of Directors reviews the cooperative’s financial health to decide whether capital credits can be returned and in what amount. While capital credits are allocated annually, they are not refunded every year. GBT uses these funds to support operations and invest in network improvements, intending to return the capital to members when finances allow. This approach helps ensure reliable service at the lowest possible cost over time.

Your capital credits remain on GBT’s books under your name and account number until they are retired. Capital credits are typically returned years after they are earned. It is important to keep GBT updated with your current mailing address so you can receive your refund when it is issued.

No. Capital credit allocations are a record of your share of the cooperative’s margins and are not held in a personal account. These funds are reinvested to support operations and system improvements. Capital credits cannot be paid out on demand, and the timing and amount of any refunds are determined by the GBT Board of Directors.

Unclaimed capital credits occur when a refund check is issued but cannot be delivered because GBT does not have a current mailing address on file. If this happens, GBT makes efforts to locate members with unclaimed credits. Keeping your mailing address up to date helps ensure you receive your capital credit refunds.

For residential service accounts, capital credits are generally not taxable. If a member receives capital credit refunds totaling more than $600, GBT will issue a 1099 in accordance with IRS guidelines. Please consult your tax advisor for specific tax questions.

If a member passes away, GBT may retire capital credits after receiving written notification and the required documentation. An authorized representative or heir may request payment by submitting a notarized capital credit request form along with a copy of the death certificate. Eligible estates may receive up to 40% of the unretired capital credits available at the time of the request.

Requirements vary depending on the situation. To remove or change a name on a capital credit check, GBT requires legal documentation to support the request, and both parties must approve the change. For questions about capital credit allocations, please contact GBT at 785-372-4236.

Allocated capital credits are amounts recorded each year that represent a member’s share of the cooperative’s excess revenue. These amounts are kept on GBT’s records but are not paid out right away. When the GBT Board of Directors decides to return these amounts to members, they are paid out and become retired capital credits.

A capital credit allocation is a member’s share of the cooperative’s excess revenue for a given year. This amount is assigned to members based on how much service they used during that year and is recorded on GBT’s books for future refund when finances allow.

You earn capital credits by paying your monthly bill for GBT services. Each year, any excess revenue is allocated to members based on how much service they use. When finances allow, a portion of these past allocations may be retired and returned to members as a capital credit refund.

You begin earning capital credits when you start receiving telecommunications services from GBT. Each year, members receive a statement that shows the status of their capital credit allocations.

To become a member of the cooperative, you must live within the Golden Belt Telephone Association, Inc. service area in Kansas. Eligible communities include Albert, Alexander, Bazine, Beeler, Bison, Brownell, Burdett, Ellis, Garfield, Lewis, McCracken, Ness City, Otis, Ransom, Rozel, Rush Center, Timken, and Utica. Customers in these areas must subscribe to telephone service to qualify for membership.

Capital credits are a benefit of being a member of the GBT cooperative. Because GBT operates as a not-for-profit, any excess revenue at the end of the year may be allocated to members who received service during that year. These amounts are recorded on GBT’s books as capital credits and may be returned to members as cash refunds when finances allow.

Billing and Payments

After you register and activate your online account, you can securely log in using a standard web browser to view and pay your bills online. The connection is encrypted to protect your information. For the best experience, GBT recommends using Google Chrome.

Your online GBT account allows you to pay for your GBT account for telephone, Internet, and/or cable television services.

Payments are typically applied to your account within 2 business days. When you pay online using a credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Please keep this number until the payment appears on your account. If your payment is not posted within 48 hours, contact GBT Customer Service at 785-372-4236 for assistance.

If you make a partial payment, the funds will be applied to your telephone service first, as it is considered a lifeline utility. Any remaining amount will then be applied to your cable television and/or Internet services.

 If your payment is late, please bring your payment by cash or check to your local GBT office, as in-person payments are posted immediately. Accounts unpaid by the 25th of the month will be disconnected and charged a $20 reactivation fee. If an account remains unpaid for two months, the service will be permanently disconnected.

Nex-Tech Wireless

Nex-Tech Wireless 5G is available in many Kansas communities, including Atwood, Bazine, Beloit, Belleville, Bison, Concordia, Delphos, Ellinwood, Ellis, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Hays, Hoisington, Hutchinson, Inman, La Crosse, Larned, Lincoln, Lindsborg, Little River, Lyons, McDonald, McPherson, Medora, Minneapolis, Ness City, Nickerson, Norton, Oberlin, Osborne, Phillipsburg, Plainville, Pratt, Ransom, Russell, Salina, Smith Center, Stafford, Sterling, St. John, Stockton, Tescott, and WaKeeney.

To learn more about Nex-Tech Wireless 5G coverage, visit:
https://www.nex-techwireless.com/5g

Network latency is the short delay between when you tap or click something and when it actually happens on your screen. Lower latency means things respond faster. With Nex-Tech Wireless 5G, apps open quicker, videos start right away, and video calls feel more natural with less lag. This makes downloading and streaming smoother overall.

5G speeds can range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps or more, depending on location, device, and network conditions. For comparison, 4G speeds typically range from 10 to 100 Mbps. This means 5G delivers faster downloads, smoother streaming, and quicker response times overall. Actual speeds may vary by location.

5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology used by mobile devices. It provides faster data speeds, lower response times, and the ability to support more connected devices at once compared to previous networks. For customers, this means smoother streaming, quicker downloads, clearer calls, and better performance in busy areas. Nex-Tech Wireless uses 5G to deliver a more reliable and efficient mobile experience across its coverage areas.

Video

StreamIT is available to new and existing GBT Internet customers and can be added by contacting your local GBT office. Once your service is set up, download the StreamIT app from your device’s app store on your smart TV, laptop, or mobile device, sign in using the account details provided by GBT, and begin streaming right away.

StreamIT pricing varies based on the package you choose, with options to fit different needs and budgets. For current pricing and package details, please contact GBT at 785-372-4236.

GBT StreamIT is a fully featured, streaming TV app that you download and install on your favorite streaming media devices including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android and many other devices. Instead of having to rent your cable box from GBT, you now have the option to access your subscription TV service via an app that runs on your equipment.

Yes. StreamIT includes most major national broadcast networks and local channels available in the areas we serve.

StreamIT is available on 3 major app stores – Amazon, Apple and Android. Simply download the app onto your favorite device, login and enjoy.

You can call our office to request a password reset email or visit www.streamitgbta.net and click “Forgot Password” to receive a reset email.

No, not yet. Our legal obligations only allow us to provide StreamIT over a GBT Internet Connection.

StreamIT includes 2 streams and 50 hours of Cloud DVR, allowing you to watch TV on 2 devices at the same time. Additional streams and Cloud DVR hours are available for purchase. We recommend 1 stream per household member for the best experience.

GBT StreamIT TV includes a variety of built-in features at no extra cost. Your subscription comes with free HD, 50 hours of cloud DVR, and two simultaneous streams. You also get Replay TV and Restart TV, along with the ability to pause and rewind live TV.

The number of devices you can watch on is equal to the number of streams on your account. GBT StreamIT TV includes two streams, allowing you to watch on two different devices at the same time. You may purchase up to four additional streams for a total of six streams and six devices. To switch devices, log out of StreamIT on one device by using the settings icon, then sign in on another device.

Yes, you can access parental controls in the settings. By enabling parental controls, a PIN is required to play content with TV-MA, R, or NC-17 ratings.

Select the program you would like to record in the guide. The menu will give you several options including Play and Record. Navigate to Record and select it. If it is a series, you can select to record only this episode or all episodes. You may also then go back into the scheduled recording and edit the series to start or end later.

Bring up the menu with your device remote (instructions vary by device). Navigate to the fourth button from the left (called an Avatar) and select it. You will see your Recorded shows and Scheduled shows. You can also view how many hours of content are recorded and how many remain. 50 hours are included free.

Restart TV is available on select programs and channels and allows you to start a program from the beginning, even if it is already in progress. When you see a program you want to restart, select it and press play. Depending on your device, you may see a Restart option right away or be prompted to start the program from the beginning after it begins playing.

Replay TV allows you to watch up to three days of previously aired programming on most TV networks. To access Replay TV, open the guide and press left on your remote to reveal the menu tab, then select the Replay option. From there, you can browse available content, watch past programs, or record upcoming shows.

Yes. StreamIT can be watched anywhere as long as your device has an internet connection, whether you are at home on your Wi-Fi or away using mobile data (must be signed up to www.watchtveverywhere.com) or another Wi-Fi network. This allows you to watch StreamIT inside your home, outside, or on the go from a compatible TV, laptop, or mobile device.

Press the remote button to bring up the guide. Navigate to the 4th icon from the left and select. Navigate to the icon on the top right and select. From settings, you can set up parental controls, manage user profiles, and sign out of the app.

Here. There. TV Everywhere

TV Everywhere allows you to watch your favorite programming on your terms–and best of all, it’s free with your GBT Cable TV subscription!

As a GBT television and internet subscriber you can utilize WatchTVEverywhere! You are able to stream your favorite channels and programming to your tablet, smart phone, or laptop. From your home to your hotel, anywhere you can receive Internet signal you will be able to access TVEverywhere. WatchTVEverywhere is different from Hulu and Netflix in several ways. First it’s free! You only need to have a subscription to the network you want to watch. The second difference is that it includes live TV; for example, WatchTVEverywhere will include news coverage. Lastly, WatchTVEverywhere has full episodes of current TV shows that are available within days of their premiers.

It is simple to start using WatchTVEverywhere. All you have to do is:

  • Go to www.watchtveverywhere.com
  • Select your TV provider: GBT Communications, Inc.
  • Select Register on the Home Page
  • You will need two pieces of information to register

1. Your account number (with the leading zeros from your GBT bill)
2. The correct spelling of your last name on your account

• You will get an email verifying your email address and you are ready to go!

To watch shows on your computer you will simple select the station on the WatchTVEverywhere homepage and it will take you to the station’s website. For cell phone and tablet use, you will want to download the respective station’s app.

Security

Yes. GBT can provide security systems and camera solutions outside of GBT’s communication service territory. Our team has the knowledge and experience to work with other companies’ networks and infrastructure to ensure your system works properly and meets your needs.

To view, monitor, or control your GBT security system remotely, an internet connection or voice service is required. Cameras can record footage to an on-site DVR without internet or voice service, but an internet connection is needed if you want to view your cameras remotely.

Yes. GBT security and camera systems include an app or web-based platform that allows you to view your cameras, arm or disarm your system, and monitor your equipment from anywhere with an internet connection.

Pricing for GBT cameras and security systems varies because each home and business installation is customized to meet the customer’s needs. GBT offers a free, no-obligation walk-through to review options and provide clear pricing based on your specific setup.