FAQs

For most residential service accounts, capital credit refunds are generally not considered taxable income.

However, tax situations can vary. If a member receives capital credit refunds totaling more than $600, GBT may issue a 1099 form in accordance with IRS reporting guidelines.

For specific tax questions, please contact a qualified tax advisor. GBT can provide general information about capital credit refunds, but we cannot provide personal tax advice.

No. Capital credits cannot be cashed out or paid on demand.

A capital credit allocation is a record of your share of the cooperative’s margins. It is not money held in a personal account. Until capital credits are retired, those funds are reinvested into GBT to help support daily operations, maintain reliable service, and improve the network.

The timing and amount of any capital credit refunds are determined by the GBT Board of Directors based on the cooperative’s financial position.

To become a GBT cooperative member, you must live within the Golden Belt Telephone Association, Inc. service area in Kansas and subscribe to qualifying telephone service.

Eligible GBT cooperative 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 communities must subscribe to telephone service to qualify for cooperative membership. If you are unsure whether your address is eligible, please contact GBT and our team can help verify service availability and membership requirements.

You earn capital credits by being a GBT member and paying for qualifying GBT services.

Each year, if GBT has excess revenue after covering operating costs, that amount is allocated back to members as capital credits. Your share is based on the amount of service you used during that year.

When GBT’s financial position allows, the Board of Directors may approve the retirement of a portion of past capital credit allocations. Once retired, those capital credits are returned to eligible members as a capital credit refund.

You may have capital credits if you are or were a GBT member who received qualifying telecommunications services.

Members begin earning capital credits when they start receiving eligible GBT services. Each year, GBT provides members with a capital credit statement that shows the status of their capital credit allocations.

If you have questions about your capital credits or need help reviewing your account, please contact GBT so our team can look up your information.

GBT reviews capital credits each year, but capital credits are not automatically refunded every year.

Each year, the GBT Board of Directors reviews the cooperative’s financial health to decide whether capital credits can be retired and returned to members. While capital credits are allocated annually, they are only refunded when GBT’s finances allow.

Until they are retired, capital credits are used to support cooperative operations, maintain reliable service, and invest in network improvements. This helps GBT continue providing dependable local service at the lowest possible cost over time.

Capital credits are one of the benefits of being a member of the GBT cooperative.

Because GBT is a member-owned cooperative, it operates at cost. If there is excess revenue after operating expenses are paid, that amount may be allocated back to members who received qualifying service during that year.

These amounts are recorded on GBT’s books as capital credits. They are not paid out right away, but they may be returned to eligible members as capital credit refunds when GBT’s financial position allows and the Board of Directors approves their retirement.

Unclaimed capital credits are capital credit refunds that were issued but not successfully delivered to the member.

This usually happens when a refund check is mailed, but GBT does not have the member’s current mailing address on file. When capital credits go unclaimed, GBT makes efforts to locate the member or former member connected to those credits.

To help make sure you receive any future capital credit refunds, please keep your mailing address updated with GBT.

If a GBT member passes away, their unretired capital credits may be eligible for early retirement after GBT receives 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 member’s death certificate. Once the request is reviewed, eligible estates may receive up to 40% of the unretired capital credits available at the time of the request.

For help with this process, please contact GBT so our team can explain the required steps and provide the proper capital credit request form.

If you cancel or stop receiving GBT service, your capital credits remain on GBT’s records under your name and account number until they are retired.

Capital credits are usually returned years after they are earned, so former members may still receive a capital credit refund in the future. To make sure you receive your refund when it is issued, it is important to keep GBT updated with your current mailing address.

You can contact GBT anytime to update your address or ask about capital credits connected to your account.

A capital credit allocation is a member’s share of GBT’s excess revenue for a specific year.

As a member-owned cooperative, GBT assigns capital credits to members based on the amount of service they used during that year. This amount is recorded on GBT’s books under the member’s name and account number, but it is not paid out right away.

Capital credit allocations may be refunded in the future when the GBT Board of Directors determines the cooperative’s financial position allows those credits to be retired.

A capital credit retirement, also called a capital credit refund, is money returned to eligible GBT members when the cooperative has excess revenue after covering operating costs.

As a member-owned cooperative, GBT operates at cost. Each year, any remaining revenue is assigned back to members as capital credits based on the amount of service they used during that year. When GBT’s financial position allows, the Board of Directors may approve the retirement of those capital credits. At that point, the money is returned to members, usually by check.

Capital credit refunds are one of the benefits of being part of a cooperative. They help make sure each generation of members pays its fair share of the cooperative’s costs while also sharing in its long-term success.

Requirements to remove or change a name on a capital credit check depend on the situation.

GBT requires legal documentation to support any name change or removal request. In most cases, both parties listed on the account or check must approve the change before it can be processed.

For questions about capital credit checks, name changes, or capital credit allocations, please contact GBT at 785-372-4236 so our team can review your situation and explain what documentation is needed.

Allocated capital credits are the amounts recorded each year that represent a member’s share of GBT’s excess revenue.

These allocated amounts are kept on GBT’s records under the member’s name and account number. They are not paid out right away and cannot be cashed out on demand.

Retired capital credits are allocated capital credits that the GBT Board of Directors has approved to be returned to members. Once capital credits are retired, they are paid out to eligible members, usually by check.

In many cases, you may be able to use your own router. However, using the recommended equipment can help make setup, support, and troubleshooting easier. It can also help make sure your service stays fast, stable, and reliable.

You do not have to buy a router. GBT provides one for $9.95 per month, and that rental includes our Managed Protection plan.

Managed Protection includes ongoing technical support and a dual-band wireless router at no separate charge, making it a roughly $400 value.

So the $9.95 is not just equipment rental. It bundles the router and support together, which means if anything goes wrong with your connection or your equipment, help is included rather than billed on top.

No. Golden Belt Telephone does not put data caps on any of its internet plans, and we do not throttle or slow your connection based on usage.

You can stream, game, work from home, and run every device in the house as much as you want, with no overage fees and no monthly usage limits.

GBT builds its fiber network across central and western Kansas to handle real household traffic at all hours, so your speed stays consistent even during peak evenings. Whether you are on a starter plan or gigabit fiber, the no-cap promise is the same.

Yes, the discount is real. GBT takes $5 off your monthly bill when you enroll in both e-bill, also called paperless billing, and autopay together.

That is $60 in savings each year for switching how you receive and pay your bill.

The key detail is that you need both e-bill and autopay to qualify. E-bill on its own will not trigger the discount, and autopay on its own will not either. The two must be combined to get the $5 off every month.

Enrolling takes just a few minutes through your online GBT account, and the savings start on your next billing cycle.

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. 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.

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 does not work, there may be a temporary outage.
6. If you have a Wi-Fi router, you can also try the troubleshooting steps for that item.

1. Make sure to follow the order listed to turn the equipment off and back on in the proper sequence.
2. Turn off your computer or computers.
3. Unplug the modem’s power cord.
4. If a router is connected, unplug the router’s power cord.
5. Check for loose cables.
6. Plug in the modem.

1. Run the speed test over a wired connection directly to your modem. Performance over Wi-Fi is greatly impacted by a number of things not within GBT’s control.
2. Multiple devices on the same connection in your household could affect the reading. Try to run the test when the only running device is the computer you are using for the test.
3. Run the speed test at different times of day. If you test during hours with the highest network traffic, there is no way to guarantee your speed unless you subscribe to a dedicated connection.
4. The age of your computer can affect results. Older computers may 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 programs were running during the first test, close them and run the speed test again.
6. Restart your device to ensure an accurate reading. You can also check your Task Manager to shut down active processes before running the test.
7. If you have a firewall installed on your computer, it could affect the reading. Temporarily close your firewall while you run the speed test and turn it back on when finished.
8. Viruses and malware can also prevent your computer from running at full speed. Keep your computer protected with virus and malware protection.

1. Reboot your modem.
2. Reboot your Wi-Fi router.
3. Check for a service outage.

Your modem is the gateway that 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. The modem is generally located between the wall and your router.

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.

Managed Protection does not cover new jack installations, customer-owned devices such as TVs, computers, and 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.

Start by restarting your router and checking whether the issue is happening on one device or every device. You can also run a speed test near the router. If the problem continues, contact support so the connection can be checked.

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.

Nex-Tech Wireless 5G is designed to provide faster speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity compared to older wireless technology.

With a strong 5G connection, customers may experience faster downloads, smoother streaming, quicker app response, and better overall performance on compatible devices.

Actual 5G speeds can vary based on your location, device, plan, signal strength, network traffic, and coverage availability. Nex-Tech Wireless 5G is available only in certain markets with 5G-capable devices and eligible plans. For the most accurate coverage information, visit the Nex-Tech Wireless 5G coverage map.

Network latency is the short delay between when you tap, click, or send a request and when your device responds.

Lower latency means your connection feels more responsive. This can help with everyday online activities like opening apps, loading websites, streaming videos, online gaming, and video calls.

Nex-Tech Wireless 5G is designed to reduce latency and improve response times compared to older wireless technology. Actual performance may vary based on your location, device, plan, coverage, and current network conditions.

Nex-Tech Wireless 5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology used by mobile devices.

Compared to older wireless technology, 5G is designed to provide faster data speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity. For customers, this can help create a smoother mobile experience when streaming videos, downloading files, using apps, video calling, gaming, or connecting in busier areas.

Actual 5G performance may vary based on your location, device, plan, signal strength, network traffic, and coverage availability. Nex-Tech Wireless 5G is available only in certain markets with 5G-capable devices and eligible plans.

Nex-Tech Wireless 5G is available in select Kansas communities, with coverage continuing to expand as network upgrades are completed.

To check current 5G availability in your area, please use the Nex-Tech Wireless interactive coverage map. Coverage may vary by location, device, plan, and network conditions.

Nex-Tech Wireless notes that 5G service is available only in certain markets and requires a 5G-capable device and an eligible plan. For the most accurate and up-to-date coverage information, visit the Nex-Tech Wireless 5G coverage page or coverage map.

Yes, GBT may be able to provide security systems and camera solutions outside its traditional communication service territory, depending on the location and project needs.

GBT offers customized security and camera systems for homes and businesses. Our team can review your property, network connection, equipment needs, and existing infrastructure to determine the best solution for your location.

Because every installation is different, availability may vary outside GBT’s service territory. To check whether GBT can provide security or camera service at your address, please contact GBT Customer Service at 785-372-4236 or submit a security system inquiry.

Yes. GBT security and camera systems include an app or web-based platform that allows you to monitor your system when you are away from home.

With an internet connection, you can view your cameras, arm or disarm your security system, and monitor connected equipment from a compatible phone, tablet, or computer.

Remote access depends on your system setup, internet connection, compatible device, and account access. For help setting up remote viewing or managing your GBT security system, please contact GBT Customer Service at 785-372-4236.

It depends on how you want to use your GBT security system.

To view, monitor, or control your GBT security system remotely, you will need an internet connection or voice service. This allows you to access your system, view cameras, and manage features when you are away from the property.

Cameras may still be able to record footage to an on-site DVR without internet or voice service. However, if you want to view your cameras remotely from a phone, tablet, or computer, an internet connection is required.

Pricing for GBT cameras and security systems varies because each home and business installation is customized to fit the customer’s needs.

GBT offers a free, no-obligation walk-through to review your property, discuss your security goals, and recommend the right camera or security system options. After the walk-through, GBT can provide clear pricing based on your specific setup, equipment needs, and installation requirements.

Yes. GBT StreamIT includes parental controls that can be accessed in the settings menu.

When parental controls are enabled, a PIN is required before certain mature content can be played. This includes content with TV-MA, R, or NC-17 ratings.

Parental controls can help households manage what content is available to different viewers using the StreamIT app.

No. GBT StreamIT is currently only available with a GBT Internet connection.

Due to legal obligations, GBT can only provide StreamIT over a GBT Internet connection at this time. If you are interested in StreamIT, please contact GBT Customer Service at 785-372-4236 to check internet availability and StreamIT options for your address.

Yes, eligible GBT TV customers can watch certain TV content outside the home through WatchTVEverywhere.

With WatchTVEverywhere and GBT Internet, you can access online content from networks that are part of your TV subscription from anywhere you have an internet connection. To use it, visit watchtveverywhere.com, select GBT Communications, Inc. as your TV provider, and register using the account information from your GBT bill.

Availability may vary by network, channel, program, device, app, location, and current content rights. Some networks may require you to watch through their own website or mobile app. Mobile data charges may apply if you are watching away from Wi-Fi.

Yes, GBT StreamIT includes many local channels and major national broadcast networks available in the areas GBT serves.

Channel availability may vary based on your location, StreamIT package, and current broadcast agreements. To confirm which local channels are available at your address, please review the current GBT StreamIT channel lineup or contact GBT Customer Service at 785-372-4236.

To access your GBT StreamIT DVR recordings, open the StreamIT app and use your device remote to bring up the main menu.

From the menu, go to the account or profile section where your Recorded Shows and Scheduled Shows are listed. There, you can view completed recordings, manage upcoming recordings, and check how much Cloud DVR storage has been used.

GBT StreamIT includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR with each package. Additional Cloud DVR storage may be available for purchase if you need more recording space.

To access settings in the GBT StreamIT app, open the app and use your device remote to bring up the guide or main menu.

From there, navigate to the profile or account section, then select the settings icon. The exact location of the settings menu may vary depending on your streaming device, remote, or app version.

In settings, you can manage features such as parental controls, user profiles, and signing out of the StreamIT app.

GBT StreamIT is available to eligible GBT Internet customers and can be added by contacting your local GBT office.

Once your StreamIT service is set up, you can download the StreamIT app on a supported streaming device, such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, and many other compatible devices. After installing the app, sign in using the account details provided by GBT and begin watching your StreamIT TV service.

GBT StreamIT requires a GBT Internet connection. For help adding StreamIT, setting up your account, or checking device compatibility, please contact GBT Customer Service at 785-372-4236.

You can log in and manage your StreamIT password from the StreamIT account portal: Log in to StreamIT. The same page lets you watch StreamIT on your computer once you are signed in.

To reset a forgotten password, open the StreamIT login page and select the “Forgot Password” option. Enter the email address on your GBT account, then follow the reset link sent to your inbox to create a new password.

If the reset email does not arrive within a few minutes, check your spam folder first. Still stuck? GBT's local support team can verify your account and reset it for you at 785-372-4236.

To record a show with GBT StreamIT Cloud DVR, open the program guide and select the show or program you want to record.

From the program menu, choose Record. If the program is part of a series, you may be able to choose whether to record only that episode or all episodes in the series.

After a recording is scheduled, you can review and manage it in your scheduled recordings. Depending on the program and device, you may also be able to edit recording options, such as starting the recording earlier or ending it later.

GBT StreamIT includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR with each package. Additional Cloud DVR storage may be available for purchase.

GBT StreamIT is a streaming TV service that lets eligible GBT Internet customers watch their subscription TV service through an app instead of a traditional cable box.

After your StreamIT service is set up, you can download the StreamIT app on supported streaming media devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, and many other compatible devices. Once installed, you sign in with your GBT StreamIT account information and watch your TV package through the app.

StreamIT gives customers a more flexible way to watch TV using their own compatible equipment while still receiving their GBT subscription TV service.

The number of devices you can watch at the same time depends on the number of streams included with your GBT StreamIT account.

GBT StreamIT TV includes 2 streams, which allows you to watch on 2 different devices at the same time. Customers can also purchase up to 4 additional streams, for a total of 6 streams and 6 devices.

If you need to switch devices, log out of the StreamIT app on one device through the settings menu, then sign in on another compatible device.

GBT StreamIT packages include 2 streams and 50 hours of Cloud DVR.

This means you can watch StreamIT on up to 2 devices at the same time and record shows using the included Cloud DVR storage. Additional streams and extra Cloud DVR hours are available for purchase if your household needs more viewing flexibility.

For the best streaming experience, GBT recommends planning for about 1 stream per household member.

GBT StreamIT pricing depends on the TV package you choose and your eligible GBT Internet service.

StreamIT packages are available at different price points to fit different viewing needs. Final pricing may vary based on your package, internet plan, regulatory fees, sales tax, and any current offers or billing requirements.

For the most accurate StreamIT pricing and package details, please contact GBT Customer Service at 785-372-4236 or visit the GBT StreamIT page.

GBT StreamIT TV includes built-in features that make it easier to watch your favorite shows, sports, news, and entertainment through a streaming app.

All StreamIT packages include 2 simultaneous streams, 50 hours of Cloud DVR, and HD programming. This allows you to watch on up to 2 devices at the same time and record shows with the included Cloud DVR storage.

Additional features and viewing options may vary by package, channel, device, and current availability. For the most up-to-date StreamIT features, package options, and add-ons, please contact GBT Customer Service at 785-372-4236.

Replay TV is a GBT StreamIT feature that lets you watch recently aired programming on select channels without needing to record it ahead of time.

With Replay TV, available shows and events may be watched for up to 72 hours, or 3 days, after they originally air. Availability may vary by channel, program, device, and current content rights.

To access Replay TV, open the StreamIT guide and look for the Replay option or available past programming. From there, you can browse supported content and select the program you want to watch.

Restart TV is a GBT StreamIT feature that lets you start certain live programs from the beginning, even if the program is already in progress.

Restart TV is available only on select programs and channels. If a program supports Restart TV, you may see a Restart or Start Over option when you select the program. Depending on your device, you may see this option right away or after the program begins playing.

Availability may vary by channel, program, device, and current content rights.

TV Everywhere allows you to watch your favorite programming on your terms, and it is free with your GBT Cable TV subscription.

As a GBT television and internet subscriber, you can use WatchTVEverywhere to stream your favorite channels and programming to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop. From your home to your hotel, anywhere you can receive an internet signal, you may be able to access WatchTVEverywhere.

WatchTVEverywhere is different from Hulu and Netflix in several ways. First, it is free with your eligible TV subscription. Second, it includes live TV, such as news coverage. Third, it includes full episodes of current TV shows that are often available within days of their premiers.

To start using WatchTVEverywhere:

1. Go to WatchTVEverywhere.com.
2. Select your TV provider: GBT Communications, Inc.
3. Select Register on the home page.
4. Enter your account number, including the leading zeros from your GBT bill.
5. Enter the correct spelling of the last name on your account.
6. Verify your email address when you receive the confirmation email.

To watch shows on your computer, select the station on the WatchTVEverywhere homepage and it will take you to the station’s website. For cell phones and tablets, download the respective station’s app.

You can download the GBT StreamIT app from major app stores, including the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore.

Search for “StreamIt powered by GBT” on your compatible device, download the app, and sign in using the account details provided by GBT.

Device compatibility may vary, so please make sure your streaming device, smartphone, tablet, or TV platform supports the GBT StreamIT app before downloading.