Spring is here! As we commence the new construction season, we are celebrating the expansion of our fiber-optic network. This year, we are focused on overbuilding our network and expanding into new communities and subdivisions, all with the region’s most reliable, robust delivery system.
Before we celebrate 2022, it’s essential to highlight the significant accomplishments of our team. In 2021 we constructed almost 81 miles of fiber and completed 1,721 fiber drop connections to homes and businesses. Last year, our buildout efforts included overbuilding most of Alpine, Tetonia, and Alta and six new Jackson area developments. So, 2021 was quite an investment and accomplishment!
This year will be nothing less than exciting!
We are continuing to replace DSL with fiber-optics in Wyoming and Idaho. This year’s focus will be on overbuilding areas between Etna north to Nordic Ranches in Star Valley. In Teton Valley, we will be overbuilding areas outside of Driggs. Several millions of dollars are earmarked for construction in both valleys, with other projects being evaluated in the Rexburg, Rigby, and partnership with LVE, Wilson proper.
Like last year, we will be taking a nodal approach in 2022. We are strategically aligning our budget with building in specific concentrated areas. In addition, we will reach out to customers to have them register for staking as we are near the point of beginning construction at their location.
In Eastern Idaho, we will continue building and strengthening our network and partnerships. One of these projects is building out the City of Rexburg’s fiber-optic network. This $4M project will result in more than 95,500 feet or over 18 miles of fiber-optic construction over the next 1 ½ half years.
When it comes to our long-haul transport, we continue to expand for greater capacity. Transport fiber is the unseen fiber infrastructure that provides local, regional, and international connections for voice, data, and video. For example, in Idaho, Silver Star is taking transport fiber from Victor through Swan Valley, Idaho Falls, Craters of the Moon, and ultimately to Kuna, Idaho (about 20 miles southwest of Boise) over the next two years. This project will result in 1,742,400 feet or 330 miles of conduit and fiber going through 11 counties!
These projects provide our customers will greater reliability, redundancy, and connectivity on a superior network.
We hear our customers and their strong demand for broadband connectivity to support the needs of their homes and businesses. We greatly appreciate their patience during this time. Our fiber builds are a multi-year endeavor that takes time and patience in a world with many variables that can change plans and reset expectations. Supply chain slowdowns, capital budget shifts, contractor availability, and seasonal limitations can alter timelines.
Grant opportunities: We are always on the hunt for grant opportunities that could allow us to build in areas that may never get funding otherwise. When grants are awarded, it can dramatically shift the resources of a planned build area and change the trajectory of current plans.
Again, thank you for supporting Silver Star Communications and for your patience during such an exciting time.