Regional fiber network operator Vision Net is adding 70 miles of new fiber broadband to Billings and Helena, MT, to answer customer demand.
Vision Net has a long history of providing communications services throughout Montana, and was formed and currently owned by several independent telcos serving rural Montana. The company was formed in 1995, and merged with Montana Advanced Information Networks, Inc. (MAIN) in 2005. In addition to network transport and management services, Vision Net has a strong background in providing videoconferencing throughout Montana.
The new fiber assets are designed to meet future as well as current customer needs. The availability of fiber broadband is important to cities such as Billings and Helena that are looking to attract business customers.
“It’s very common in this industry to have numerous customers essentially ‘renting space’ along a fiber network,” said Vision Net CEO Corey Jensen in a prepared statement. “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.”
He added that while both cities have some fiber, they, like other municipalities, don’t always have the fiber deployed in optimum business locations. The additional fiber is designed to address that issue.
The business community also acknowledged the need for faster communications capabilities. Webb Brown, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, said in a prepared statement: “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.”
