Originally, Silver Star had a 10-year plan to invest $100 million dollars in the expansion of our fiber-optic network, to provide under-served customers in rural areas with the most advanced broadband technology. This plan was first announced in September 2019 and makes use of federal ACAM funding.
In August 2020 we received CARES Act funding for two additional fiber projects. One through ConnectWyoming and the Wyoming Business Council for fiber expansion in southern Star Valley. The other award was for fiber construction in Driggs, through the Idaho Broadband Grant Program and secured by the City of Driggs. These awards were conditional upon work being completed in 2020 and therefore we have had to shift our construction plans to accommodate these new opportunities within their tight time frame.
After seeing what was possible in a shorter time frame, Silver Star announced our intent to condense the $100 million dollar expansion from 10-years to 5-years. This still uses federal ACAM funding as well as contributions from our own budgets.
The media releases below show the progress of the fiber build-out since 2019. We look forward to announcing our continuing plans as time passes.
Fiberhood Project – 5-year plan for $100M Investment
5.14.2021 Silver Star Announces Expedited Five Year Build-Out Plan
9.6.2020 Silver Star Announces Largest Capital Investment Strategy in Company History
4.13.2020 Silver Star Begins Regional Fiber Buildout Using Fiberhoods
CARES Act Funded Fiberhoods – August-December 2020
1.18.2021 Silver Star ends construction for the southern Star Valley CARES Fiberhood
12.28.2020 Silver Star ends its 2020 construction for the Driggs CARES Fiberhood
10.14.2020 Last Call for Sign-ups in Star Valley – Wait List after October 16
9.3.2020 Silver Star Awarded Idaho Broadband Grant to Expand Fiber Network in Driggs
8.19.2020 Silver Star Awarded CARES grant to expand fiber network in southern Star Valley
Weekly Radio Updates on Star Valley CARES Fiberhood (funded through the Wyoming Business Council)
Fiber and Internet –Educational Articles
4.1.2020 Back to…School? (Tips and tricks for optimizing Wi-Fi performance)
2.4.2020 How do I get internet?
2.2.2020 The Difference between Internet and Wi-Fi
1.28.2020 Modems and Routers and Gateways…Oh My!