Blackfoot to begin fiber optics installation in Drummond Wednesday

A message from Jason Williams, CEO, Blackfoot Communications

Blackfoot is and always has been deeply committed to our Cooperative members and the communities we serve. Blackfoot only exists because of our members and we strive every day to provide each of you with exceptional customer experiences. That is why in 2017, we began an extensive, multi-year, multi-million-dollar project to replace the aging copper portions of our network with fiber optics.

Fiber-based services provide highly reliable, super-fast broadband speeds of 1 Gbps or more as well as voice and other advanced services. Blackfoot’s investment ensures that our Cooperative members will have access to the most state-of-the-art communications services for decades to come.

In late 2022, Blackfoot applied for and was awarded ConnectMT grants from the state of Montana to build fiber broadband in several of its cooperative areas. Blackfoot will use these grants together with its own capital to build fiber broadband to more locations than ever before. One way or another, Blackfoot plans to bring fiber-based broadband to all of its Cooperative members in the coming years.

Building a fiber network in your community is a major undertaking. Importantly, we will need to construct new fiber drops directly to each of your homes or businesses. This means we will need to enter your property to plow new fiber lines. Even if your copper-based service works fine today, Blackfoot's intent is to decommission and shut off our copper network as we build out the replacement fiber network. You can help by preordering your service.

We know how disruptive plowing new fiber to your home or business can be, so we want to work with each individual property owner to minimize any disruption this may cause. After we plow the fiber drop, we will do our best to restore your property to its original condition, including planting new grass seed for lawns and otherwise leaving the landscape undisturbed as best we can.

To learn more about this project and to find out when fiber will be coming to your areas, please call us at 866-541-5000 or complete the preorder form today.

We are thrilled to bring fiber-based services to your homes and businesses, and I thank you for continuing to place your trust in Blackfoot to provide your broadband and voice services.

To view the release from the Blackfoot Telecommunications site, CLICK HERE.

PROJECT SCHEDULE REMAINING

2024

Alta begins

Darby begins

Drummond begins

Bitterroot begins

Island Park (ID) continues

2025

Alta continues

Bitterroot continues

Darby continues