I am pleased to announce that Blackfoot is investing in substantial upgrades to our broadband network. This multi-year project will replace and improve existing network equipment with advanced network technologies. The result? Our Cooperative Members will continue to experience the reliable internet, voice and cloud services they have come to expect from Blackfoot.
Construction will begin in the St. Ignatius area in Summer 2017. Beginning in September 2016, Blackfoot engineers and planners will be working in and around St. Ignatius to determine the best routes for our new network technologies, including some route planning to your home or business. Blackfoot has hired the engineering firm Mid-State Consultants to work alongside us in this process. As one of Blackfoot’s trusted and valued partners, you should feel free to ask Mid-State engineers any questions about the project when you see them working in your area.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions that offers more details about this project. If you have additional questions, contact Blackfoot Engineering Supervisor, Jared Jarrett, at 541-5264 or jjarrett@blackfoot.com.
If you have any questions about Blackfoot’s current products and services, please contact one of our Customer Care Consultants at 541-5000.
Sincerely,
Bill Squires
Chief Executive Officer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blackfoot’s network upgrade project?
Blackfoot currently offers services over a hybrid network of both fiber optic and copper cables. Some of the copper cables have been buried in the ground for more than 30 years, which is near the end of their useful life. These facilities need to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver reliable, high quality services. This project is good network stewardship and ensures that Blackfoot will continue to be able to offer high quality voice, data and cloud services to its customers for decades to come.
Will this project impact my current Blackfoot services?
No. This construction project will not interrupt or impact any of your current services or your bill. In 2017, Blackfoot will begin offering a series of new product and service packages available to you with broadband speeds unrivaled by other providers in the area. Look for exciting announcements coming your way in the future.
Why do you need to access my property if I’m not an existing Blackfoot customer?
As the incumbent service provider and a cooperative, Blackfoot is committed to make its services available to every home and business in its service territory. Even though you may not be a Blackfoot customer today, we want to engineer the best possible route to your home or business in the event you request services from us in the future. Blackfoot will not construct any new facilities on your property without a request for services from you.
Where will you be constructing and when will it begin?
Construction will take place primarily within the city and county road right of ways. Once the engineers designate the best routes we will begin applying for permits and licenses from the town, county and other districts. After this is complete we plan to start our fiber project in the spring of 2017. Even though Blackfoot is engineering routes directly to your home or business, we will not construct facilities on your property without your prior approval.
Will you be sending out more information about the project?
Yes. Blackfoot plans to keep you informed through letters, newspaper and town hall style events in the coming months.
We want to hear from you!
Blackfoot’s product development team is interested in hearing from our customers regarding the design of new products and services. If there are communications and broadband products and services that you would like to subscribe to, please email your suggestions to product@blackfoot.com. If you’d like to have a member of our product development team follow up with you directly, please let us know in your email.