GREAT FALLS, Mont.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vision Net, a Montana-based telecommunications solutions company, announced today that it is bringing an additional seventy miles of new broadband fiber to Billings and Helena. Both communities are experiencing increasing demand from consumers and businesses for high-quality, reliable broadband access. The project began in May and is estimated to be completed by August of 2019.
Vision Net CEO Corey Jensen said the new fiber infrastructure is the result of existing customers’ growing needs. While Jensen isn’t at liberty to share the names of the clients who requested the fiber, he does note that it will be available for other businesses and organizations as well. The network designs allow for interconnection along the fiber route to accommodate future customer needs. “It’s very common in this industry to have numerous customers essentially ‘renting space’ along a fiber network,” he explained. “Demand in both communities has been strong in the business and education sectors. As our plans became public, there was an overwhelming request for service.”
Reliable broadband access is a driving consideration for companies looking to expand and/or relocate to communities across Montana. Jensen notes that there is often fiber available, but it’s not located where it’s most needed. To address this, he said, the company worked with leaders in both cities to ensure “we are placing this new network to not only meet present demand but future growth as well.”
Webb Brown, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, noted the importance of collaboration when investing in the state. “Vision Net’s expanded investment in fiber networks demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between industry leaders and local officials when it comes to broadband infrastructure,” he said. “With fiber becoming essential in day-to-day operations, commitments like this are making Montana a more attractive place to do business.”
Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development, echoed Jensen and Webb, adding, “Fiber is key infrastructure that enables existing businesses to grow and helps to attract new business to our communities. This infrastructure is essential to keeping Billings and the state of Montana regionally competitive with communities across the nation who are enhancing connectivity. Vision Net's investment represents an important factor in our ability to attract talent and private investment.”
Vision Net has a 24-year history of investing in and supporting Montana’s information technology infrastructure. Its videoconferencing services have benefited rural schools, health care facilities and law enforcement officials statewide for more than a decade, while its 24/7 call center provides immediate customer support for telecommunications and utility providers nationwide. For Vision Net, the new investment in fiber is a logical next step.
“The telecommunications industry is fast moving and rapidly evolving,” Jensen said. “We’re always working to stay ahead of the curve. The opportunity to invest in these communities in such a meaningful way is significant. We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to work with officials at both the city and state level to ensure this meets a broad range of needs.”
About Vision Net
Vision Net is a Montana telecommunication solutions company with offices in Great Falls, Billings, Missoula and Helena. The company’s suite of products and services includes broadband network transport, worldwide video conferencing, a range of Internet services, customized wide area network (WAN) management, a 24/7 call center, network and equipment monitoring services, access tandem switching, engineering design and technical consulting.