Montana internet company expands to Happy Valley

After 28 years of providing internet service, MontanaSky Network will be expanding to Happy Valley between Whitefish and Kalispell.

The internet provider currently serves the counties of Flathead, Lake and Lincoln and is hoping to expand into underserved, rural communities. It’s looking to provide internet service to 500 homes in Happy Valley.

“Because MontanaSky is a small 100% local company, we have to be very strategic where we invest and how much the construction costs will be,” said CEO Ryan Bowman. “Happy Valley ticked all the boxes, and we are very excited to be a part of this community.”

As the digital age continues to evolve and remote work and education become routine, it is especially important that communities receive fast and reliable internet solutions, the company says.

The new service will include internet as fast at 1Gbps, VoIP phone solutions, and

MontanaSky IPTV, said Sales and Marketing Manager Amber Pacheco-Holm. Montana Sky Network will also offer faster download speeds and upload speeds, free advanced Wi-Fi upgrade, and free installation, she notes.

MontanaSky Network says it works to provide SkyConnect wireless internet for more remote areas. Many communities receive their internet service from “telecom giants” as Bowman puts it and the company is hopeful that local communities will entrust a local company to provide their internet service instead.

“The real test will be how many folks will choose to leave the large internet providers and put their trust in a local company to provide their connection. The more customers we can add to a project, the faster we’ll be able to expand to more areas,” said Bowman.

The expansion project will be completed 100% locally. The company is intentional about employing and serving its local communities.

“We pride ourselves in employing home-grown talent, making a bigger impact on our community,” said Pacheco-Holm. From the crew to the contractors to the administration MontanaSky Network hopes to pour right back into the communities in which they live.

With the state of Montana considering applications for the $266 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for broadband expansion in the coming months, MontanaSky continues to invest private dollars to bring better broadband access to the area.

Construction is set to be complete within the next few weeks, according to Pacheco-Holm. Montana Sky Network can be reached at 406-752-4335 or visit https://www.montanasky.net/CoreConnect/