RURAL PLEVNA & RICHEY TO GET FIBER BROADBAND

Beware of Scammers Offering Fiber Equipment

Mid-Rivers Communications reached nearly 11,000 total rural locations with fiber to the premises (FTTP) at the end of 2024, growing the Cooperative’s fiber footprint by more than 60% in the last five years.

During 2024, over 450 miles of fiber were constructed in the rural areas around Grass Range, Roy, Ekalaka, and Lindsay.  Construction has resumed this spring on the remaining routes in these projects, which were halted in late 2024 due to winter conditions.  Fiber plows are in the ground in the Lindsay area now.

Crews are finishing the splicing and testing of fibers placed with the Ekalaka Northeast project.  Each mile of new fiber must be constructed, tested, approved, and released for final cutovers before customers can be moved to the new fiber lines. Once test results are reviewed, Mid-Rivers representatives will contact customers in the area to schedule cutovers. It can take several weeks or months from the time fiber is plowed for individual locations to be connected.

There is no charge and no equipment fee for moving customers to fiber.  Mid-Rivers technicians will supply all necessary equipment during installation.  Please be aware that Bright Sound Communications is a scammer with no affiliation with Mid-Rivers. If you receive a call from someone from Bright Sound Communications regarding any Mid-Rivers services, please do not provide any personal or financial information or schedule any appointments and hang up immediately.

Mid-Rivers’ 2025 fiber construction plans include rural Plevna, Ekalaka West, and Richey, with a total estimated fiber investment of $16 million.

The 2025 rural Plevna project includes 289 miles of fiber to 196 locations, bringing fiber to all remaining underserved and unserved locations in the Plevna (772) telephone exchange area of Fallon County and far eastern Custer County.  Ekalaka West involves 248 miles of fiber construction to 170 locations in the western area of Carter County. Richey Rural will reach 65 locations with 167 miles of construction in northwest Dawson and western Richland Counties.

Fiber offers the fastest and most reliable connection of any Internet technology available today. It also replaces the old copper telephone lines enabling clear and reliable voice service.

Mid-Rivers Communications is a cooperative provider serving 30,000 square miles of Eastern and Central Montana.