The project began in 2018, cost over $11 million, and replaced aging copper wire. Now, nearly 1,000 locations throughout the St. Ignatius area are served by high-speed fiber optic cable.
"Families, businesses, and schools in St. Ignatius now have access to some of the fastest internet speeds in Montana," said Jason Williams, CEO of Blackfoot. "This is the first of many network upgrades we're planning to bring high-speed, fiber-based internet to communities in Western Montana. Fiber optic cable is a future-proof technology and long-lasting infrastructure, providing opportunities for decades to come."
Williams touted fiber-optic technology as the first choice for access to fast, reliable and affordable internet. Unlike wireless or satellite technology, fiber-based internet service does not experience disruptions or degradation to service due to weather, distance or physical location. Blackfoot Communications buries over 95% of its fiber-optic cable, providing further protection from aboveground events including extreme weather events or fires.
The company is building out fiber networks in Thompson Falls, Plains, Philipsburg and Georgetown Lake, with other areas in the planning phases.
"Bringing cutting-edge technology to rural communities has always been a priority for Blackfoot Communications," said Stuart Morton, a Blackfoot Communications board of trustees member from the Mission Valley. "We've served this area for over 40 years. Our customers are our neighbors, and we want the best for our community. Closing the digital divide and increasing access to fiber-based internet is a big win."
Chris Laslovich, the public affairs manager for Blackfoot Communications, said the company has invested over $50 million since 2017 to upgrade the copper network to a fiber-optic network in western Montana. Other areas that have gotten upgrades include Thompson Falls and Plains. He noted that the federal government is making historic investments in broadband infrastructure to close the "digital divide" — the connectivity disparity between rural and urban areas.
Blackfoot is using about $74 million in federal grants, along with another $21 million of its own capital, to plan about $96 million worth of future upgrades to nearly 7,000 locations.
Places like Darby, the Potomac Valley, Drummond, the Big Hole Valley and Alta will see big improvements in streaming speeds and digital performance.
© 2023 Missoulian, Mont. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
