About us

Driven by innovation, we are committed to delivering advanced broadband solutions to the rural communities we serve. With Liberty, you’ll get real internet from real Iowans!

Our communities
Our history

Certified Gig-Capable

In 2019, we were honored to be recognized by NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider for delivering gigabit broadband speeds and enabling technological innovation in the West Branch and West Liberty communities.

Liberty Communications first launched gigabit internet speeds on December 25, 2015. To achieve certification, telecommunications companies must show that gigabit technology is currently commercially available within 95% of one or more exchanges within its serving territory and that such service can be provided without new trenching or stringing new aerial facilities.

Smart Rural Community

Liberty’s fiber internet network in West Liberty and West Branch has earned us the Smart Rural Community designation by NTCA—the Rural Broadband Association, and we could not have done this without you, our customers. Our communities inspire us to be better and better. The towns we serve are full of people who are our friends and neighbors, and we are motivated to provide the best services possible to you. We want the best for you because we want the best for our community. Your support makes all the difference. Together, we are a Smart Rural Community.

Our Communities

Meet your neighbors in

West Liberty

West Liberty, Iowa, is distinguished by its rich cultural diversity, being the first Iowa town where over half the population identified as Hispanic or Latino in the 2010 Census.

The community actively celebrates its heritage with several annual events. Additionally, the town’s historic downtown, including landmarks like the 1897 train depot, reflects its deep-rooted history and ongoing revitalization efforts. The commercial historic downtown district is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Discover West Liberty

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Centerville

Centerville, Iowa, is a city in Appanoose County with a population of 5,412 as of the 2020 census. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Centerville became a hub for coal mining, attracting European immigrants from Sweden, Italy, Croatia, and Albania. Today, Centerville is known for having the largest town square in Iowa and hosts annual cultural events like Pancake Day and Croatian Fest, celebrating its diverse heritage. The city also features historic buildings such as the Appanoose County Courthouse and the Appanoose County Sheriff’s House and Jail. 

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fairfield

Fairfield is a small city located in southeastern Iowa, known for its vibrant arts scene and progressive community. It serves as a hub for the Maharishi University of Management, which promotes sustainable living and consciousness-based education.

The city also features a growing local economy, including sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.

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West BRANCH

West Branch, Iowa, is a city located in Cedar and Johnson counties, with a population of 2,509 as of the 2020 census. It is notably the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States. The city is home to the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, which includes his birthplace cottage, a blacksmith shop, and the gravesites of President Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Additionally, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is situated in West Branch, preserving his presidential papers and memorabilia.

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Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is a small city in Henry County with a rich history dating back to its settlement in the 1830s. A key feature of Mount Pleasant is its agricultural heritage, showcased by the annual Midwest Old Thresher’s Reunion.

Mount Pleasant also fosters a diverse community, offering a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, with a focus on local businesses and community events.

Discover Mount Pleasant

New to town?

Welcome, neighbor!

We are so glad you’re here… and we think you’re gonna love our community. Here’s a little welcome gift, from your friends at Liberty.

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Our history

Family-owned since 1908

In 1899, a few farmers wanted to connect phone lines to town.
Established as an Iowa small business in 1908, Liberty Communications is still growing strong!

Early Years

Liberty Communications, originally founded as West Liberty Telephone Company in 1899, began with the modest goal of gaining 75 subscribers. For its first 75 years, the company experienced gradual growth. A major shift came in 1984 when the federal government broke up AT&T, reshaping the telecommunications landscape. That same year, West Liberty Telephone acquired the West Branch Telephone Company, becoming the eighth largest independent telephone provider in Iowa. In 1997, the company rebranded as Liberty Communications to reflect its broader range of services.

Technological advancements quickly accelerated, with the company introducing Voicemail, Caller ID, pagers, and internet services. As the 21st century began, Liberty Communications continued evolving by launching Digital TV and replacing its traditional copper network with a state-of-the-art Fiber to the Home infrastructure, capable of delivering 100 Mbps to each residence.

1990s

West Liberty Telephone, as it was known then, was a pioneer in Iowa’s telecommunications industry, becoming one of the first providers in the state to offer dial-up Internet in December 1993. Customers received 250 hours of full internet access for $30 a month. The company steadily expanded its services and improved customer experience throughout the 1990s. Key milestones included introducing toll-free calling between West Branch and Iowa City in 1995, and later between West Liberty, West Branch, Atalissa, and Iowa City—all without local rate increases.

In 1997, the company rebranded as Liberty Communications to reflect its broader service offerings, including paging, internet, and voicemail, which launched in July 1997. These improvements addressed customer needs, especially during power outages or long hours on the computer. In 1998, Touch-tone became part of the local rate, and rural rate structures were simplified, resulting in reduced rates for 90% of customers.

To meet growing Internet demands, Liberty upgraded its infrastructure, introduced digital high-speed service, and began offering long-distance plans in 1999. These included the affordable “One Thin Dime” and “Just My Time” options, which remain available today, albeit with slight price adjustments. In June 1999, Caller ID Name was added as a premium feature.

2000s

In July 2000, Liberty Communications launched Megaband high-speed internet, offering speeds ten times faster than dial-up and the ability to use the phone while online. This innovation was supported by a major infrastructure upgrade, with 43 miles of fiber optic and 15 miles of copper cable installed to expand coverage and increase capacity. In 2001, Liberty introduced e-billing, rewarding customers with a $1 monthly credit for switching to electronic payments. By March 2002, the company launched its own Internet service provider, Lcom.net, enabling faster service innovation and enhanced customer experience.

Liberty Digital TV service debuted in 2005, delivering 100% digital quality to both rural and urban areas of West Liberty and West Branch. In 2008, the company committed over $7.7 million to build a new Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network, starting in West Branch. Despite delays from flooding, construction began in June 2008, with Spalj Construction and Finley Engineering managing the project. In April 2009, Liberty introduced HD and DVR services, including features like Pause Live TV and a lineup of 26 HD channels. Construction of the West Liberty FTTH project officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 1, 2009, marking a major step toward future-ready connectivity.

Early 2010s

In 2010, Liberty Communications refreshed its brand with a new logo featuring blue and red colors, symbolizing fiber optic technology. That same year, the company began offering services on its new Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network. The new “Fusion” packages delivered faster internet speeds, HD TV for multiple screens, and greater flexibility. Liberty also upgraded its office phone system to an IP-based solution, enhancing communication between locations.

Embracing social media, Liberty opened Twitter and Facebook accounts to share updates and better engage with customers. A new digital voicemail system was introduced, offering features like email notifications and Live Message Screening.

By the end of 2011, Liberty completed its two-year project of converting all West Liberty and West Branch in town customers to the new fiber network, officially retiring the old copper network in town.

The company collaborated with other Iowa telecom providers to influence FCC policy on rural broadband funding, successfully advocating for better support of fiber networks. Liberty also adopted new customer care and billing software through NISC, improving integration and scalability. As demand for streaming grew, Liberty expanded its bandwidth from major hubs and upgraded infrastructure in West Liberty and West Branch, enhancing Internet speeds, digital TV, and HD offerings. A remodeled front office debuted in 2014.

Late 2010s

On Christmas Day 2015, Liberty Communications launched Gigabit internet service for residential customers, joining a select group of rural Iowa providers offering such high-speed connectivity. That year, the company also revamped its service packages to comply with new federal regulations—boosting Internet speeds, including unlimited nationwide calling in residential plans, and bundling features like Caller ID and Call Waiting at no extra charge. Business customers benefited from lowered long-distance rates and flat-rate plans.

In 2015, Liberty also introduced SMART automation services for homes, farms, and businesses. In 2016, they launched The People You Know, a video series highlighting community members, which won the NTCA TeleChoice Marketing Campaign Award in 2018. In June 2017, Liberty was named a Smart Rural Community by the NTCA, and in July 2018, they introduced Liberty WiFi, a managed WiFi service.

By late 2018, Liberty became a Certified Gig-Capable Provider, completing an ONT upgrade project with over 1,900 new terminals installed. They also constructed 35 miles of new rural fiber in West Liberty and West Branch, part of a broader fiber expansion. In spring 2019, Liberty began its largest rural fiber build yet, laying over 80 miles of fiber to connect more than 300 rural homes and businesses, investing heavily in future-ready infrastructure.

2020s

In 2022, Liberty Communications expanded its footprint in Southeast Iowa with the purchase of Natel, bringing service to the communities of Fairfield, Mount Pleasant, and Centerville. That same year, the company began construction of a new advanced wireless broadband network across six counties: Appanoose, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Van Buren, and Washington—further strengthening rural connectivity in the region. This work continues into 2025.

In 2023, Liberty made a major infrastructure upgrade by removing all DSL connections and converting all rural customers in West Liberty and West Branch to fiber, ensuring faster, more reliable internet access. The company also shifted away from traditional Digital TV services, opting instead to partner with DirecTV to offer flexible streaming options tailored to modern viewing preferences.

In 2024, Liberty continued its expansion into more urban areas, extending high-speed fiber services to American Legion Road and the Monument Hills subdivision in Iowa City. These strategic moves reflect Liberty’s commitment to investing in future-ready technology and providing cutting-edge broadband solutions to both rural and urban communities across Iowa.

Today, Liberty Communications remains committed to innovation in an ever-changing industry, continuously adapting to meet the increasing demands of both consumers and businesses in a globally connected world.

Giving back

Scholarships and donations

Each year, we give thousands of dollars to support the communities we serve—from college scholarships to local organizations and nonprofits. 

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Communications today!

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Current news

Browns Shoe Fit Co Switches to Liberty — Your New Internet Provider in Centerville

A big thank you to Browns Shoe Fit Co and Jackson Meyer for choosing Liberty Communications as their new reliable business internet provider in Centerville. We know that local businesses have options when it comes to internet and phone service, and we’re honored you chose Liberty! Browns Shoe Fit Co has proudly served the Centerville […]
Read more Browns Shoe Fit Co Switches to Liberty — Your New Internet Provider in Centerville
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