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Author: Abi Breaur

From Road to Router: How Fiber Internet Is Installed with Utah Broadband

Posted on by Abi Breaur

Fiber internet is often talked about as the gold standard for connectivity, offering faster speeds, greater reliability, and a network built for the future. But for many homeowners, the installation process can feel a little mysterious. What’s happening in the street? Why are crews in the neighborhood? And how does that fiber actually make its way into your home?

At Utah Broadband, we believe informed customers are happy customers. That’s why we’re breaking down the fiber internet installation process step by step, from early construction to the moment your internet is live.

While every neighborhood and home is unique, most fiber installations follow the same three key phases, each occurring at a different time. Only the final step is scheduled directly with the customer, since we need access inside the home.

The three phases are:

  1. Running fiber along the roads
  2. Bringing fiber from the road to the home
  3. Bringing fiber into the home and activating service

Let’s walk through each step.

Step-by-step process of bringing fiber internet to Utah homes.

Step 1: Running Fiber Along the Roads

The first stage of a fiber internet build takes place well before service becomes available to individual homes. During this phase, crews construct the backbone of the network by installing fiber lines along roads, throughout neighborhoods, and between communities, creating the main infrastructure that will eventually serve homes and businesses.

Underground Fiber Installation

In many areas, fiber is installed underground. Crews use specialized equipment to place fiber conduit below the surface, often 2-3 feet underground, along roadways and utility corridors. This method minimizes disruption to existing infrastructure and keeps the fiber protected from weather and accidental damage.

You may notice narrow trenches, directional boring equipment, or small access points called handholes along the road. Once the conduit is in place, fiber lines are pulled through and securely housed underground.

At key points along the route, technicians splice fiber within protected enclosures. Fiber splicing is the precise process of fusing fiber strands end-to-end so data can travel seamlessly across long distances. These splice points are carefully tested to ensure signal strength and reliability before construction continues.

Aerial Fiber Installation

In some neighborhoods, especially rural or mountainous areas, fiber is installed aerially, meaning it is run through the air using existing utility poles. In these cases, fiber lines are attached to power poles and share space with other utilities, such as electrical or telephone lines.

Aerial installation allows Utah Broadband to reach areas where underground construction isn’t feasible due to terrain, rock, or environmental constraints. It’s a safe, efficient, and widely used method that still delivers the same high-quality fiber connection to your home.

Whether underground or aerial, this first step establishes the primary fiber routes that serve homes and businesses throughout the area.

Step 2: Bringing Fiber from the Road to Your Home

Once fiber has been installed along the road, the next step is connecting individual properties. This portion of the process is often called the “drop,” bringing fiber from the main line to your home.

The type of construction in the area does not automatically determine how the drop will be run. When the main construction is underground, the drop is almost always installed underground as well. In areas with aerial construction, the drop may be installed either aerially or underground. The final method depends on the property’s specific layout and existing utilities, and in these cases, it is roughly an even split between the two approaches.

Underground Drops

With an underground drop, a small fiber line is buried from the road or utility access point directly to your home. This line is typically installed just a few inches below the surface to minimize impact on your yard.

Our crews take care to avoid existing utilities and restore disturbed areas as best as possible. In many cases, grass naturally regrows over time, leaving little to no visible sign of the work.

Aerial Drops

With an aerial drop, the fiber may come from a nearby utility pole and run through the air to your home, similar to traditional power or phone lines. The fiber is securely fastened and routed to maintain safety, clearance, and durability.

When completing the drop, our crews will make every effort to contact the homeowner. Because this portion of the work does not require access inside the home, we will proceed with the installation if we are unable to reach you, provided there is a clear and appropriate location to run the line to the home.

Step 3: Bringing Fiber Into the Home

The final step is the one most customers are eagerly waiting for: bringing fiber into the home and activating service. It is the only phase scheduled directly with the customer, since we need access inside the home to complete the installation.

Entry Point and Equipment

We’ll find the best way to bring the fiber into your home, which may include using an existing entry point or drilling a small, discreet hole through an exterior wall if needed. Once inside, the fiber connects to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which converts the signal into high-speed internet for your home.

Your Utah Broadband technician will work with you to select a practical, discreet location for the equipment, typically near where other utilities enter the home.

Router Setup and Testing

Once the ONT is installed, your router is connected, and the service is activated. The technician will test the connection, confirm speeds, and ensure everything is working properly before completing the installation.

At this point, your home is officially connected to Utah Broadband’s fiber network and ready for streaming, gaming, remote work, and everything in between.

What to Expect During Construction

Because these three steps happen at different times, you may see crews in your neighborhood weeks or even months before your in-home installation appointment, and you may also notice activity on or near your property during the drop installation, even if your in-home installation has not yet been scheduled.

We understand that construction can be inconvenient, which is why we prioritize communication, safety, and restoration throughout the process. Our goal is to leave neighborhoods in great condition while delivering long-term benefits through a future-proof fiber network.

Why Fiber Is Worth It

While the installation process involves multiple steps, the result is a network designed to last decades. Fiber internet delivers symmetrical speeds, low latency, and unmatched reliability, making it ideal for modern households and growing communities.

From underground conduit to aerial lines on power poles, every step of the process is carefully planned to deliver fast, reliable internet to your home.

Connecting Utah, One Home at a Time

At Utah Broadband, we’re proud to invest in local communities by building and maintaining a high-quality fiber network. Whether your fiber is run underground or aerially, the goal is the same: delivering reliable, blazing-fast internet from the road to your home, and into your living room.

If you have questions about fiber construction or installation in your area, our team is always happy to help. We’re excited to connect you now and for years to come.

Ready to sign up for Fiber Internet?

Employee Spotlight: Mike Simmons on Building Utah Broadband’s Local Fiber & Wireless Network

Posted on by Abi Breaur

Our inaugural spotlight features Mike Simmons, vice president of Fiber and Wireless Development, whose 15-year career at Utah Broadband mirrors the company’s evolution from a small, locally built wireless provider to a growing broadband organization delivering advanced wireless and fiber connectivity to communities across Utah.

Simmons currently leads the strategic direction of Utah Broadband’s wireless and fiber networks, overseeing the teams that design, build, and operate the company’s infrastructure. His path to executive leadership, however, was anything but linear. Over the years, Simmons has held nearly every technical role in the organization, including Technical Support Representative, Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Wireless Engineer, and Director of Wireless.

“Utah Broadband began in the original owner’s garage, built on hard work, family values, and a willingness to do whatever it took to solve real problems for real neighbors,” Simmons said. “Those values didn’t fade as the company grew. They became the foundation of who we are.” 

That hands-on journey, he says, is deeply reflective of Utah Broadband’s culture today.

A Culture Built on Showing Up

From the beginning, teamwork at Utah Broadband has been a daily practice rather than just a slogan or a line in a mission statement. Simmons recalls leadership that led by example, whether that meant climbing onto rooftops, troubleshooting customer issues firsthand, or stepping into roles wherever help was needed.

“The original owner was never above rolling up his sleeves,” Simmons said. “That mindset set the tone. If something needed to be done, you did it. Titles didn’t matter.”

That philosophy shaped Simmons’ own career. Over the years, he has answered customer support calls, burned his hands on hot roof shingles, snowshoed to remote tower sites, dug holes, pulled cable through conduit, and worked on overnight outages, often in brutal weather and time-sensitive conditions.

“These experiences weren’t exceptions,” he said. “They were part of learning the business and understanding what our teams go through every day. They also taught me how important it is to lead with empathy and respect.”

Growing Without Losing What Matters

During Simmons’ tenure, Utah Broadband has more than doubled its customer base and employee count, while continuously evolving its network to meet rising demand. The company’s wireless infrastructure alone has progressed through more than a dozen technology generations as Utah Broadband adapted to deliver better performance and reliability.

The company has experienced several ownership chapters, including an early acquisition, a return to ownership by the founder, and, most recently, its acquisition by the Boston Omaha family of companies. Simmons said this latest transition provided the resources and momentum needed to expand into fiber and accelerate growth while preserving the company’s culture.

“Being acquired by Boston Omaha gave us the ability to invest ahead of demand,” Simmons said. “It allowed us to add fiber to our portfolio and pursue large-scale projects while preserving what made Utah Broadband special in the first place.”

Today, Utah Broadband has secured millions of dollars in federal funding to deliver multi-gigabit broadband service to communities across Utah, many of which have been historically underserved or overlooked by larger providers.

“We’ve grown from delivering kilobits-per-second service to a handful of neighbors into building critical infrastructure for thousands of customers,” Simmons said. “That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Why Utah Broadband Works

To Simmons, Utah Broadband’s success comes down to a few core principles: local knowledge, technical adaptability, and long-term commitment.

“We’ve never been tied to a single technology or a one-size-fits-all approach,” he said. “We evolve. If wireless is the right solution, we invest there. If fiber is needed, we build it. We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t build for the short term.”

That flexibility, paired with a deeply experienced leadership team, allows Utah Broadband to execute consistently as the company grows. Many members of the management team are long-tenured employees who understand both the technical and human sides of the business.

“Customers feel that difference,” Simmons said. “When they call Utah Broadband, they talk to people who understand their area, care about their experience, and are invested in their community. That trust is earned over time.”

Community as a Responsibility

Community has always been central to Utah Broadband’s identity, a value that aligns closely with the broader Boston Omaha philosophy across its ISP portfolio. For Simmons, community means more than presence; it means accountability.

“When you build and operate networks where you live, you feel a responsibility to do things right the first time,” he said. “You stand behind your work because these are your neighbors.”

That responsibility extends to employees as well. Simmons credits Utah Broadband with fostering an environment that supports people professionally and personally.

“I’ve had many conversations with leadership that weren’t just about work, but about life,” he said. “There’s a genuine interest in making sure people are healthy and happy outside the office. That level of care creates loyalty you can’t manufacture.”

Working Hard and Having Fun

Despite the demanding nature of building and operating broadband networks, Utah Broadband has always found ways to celebrate its people. Simmons recalls one long-running tradition in particular: the annual Costco Christmas shopping spree.

“Each employee got a gift card and 25 minutes to shop without going over the limit,” he said. “If you went over, the owner got to remove an item from your cart. It was chaotic, competitive, and hilarious, and something everyone looked forward to.”

Even as the company has grown, that spirit remains strong. Recent celebrations have included casino-themed events with blackjack, craps, and roulette, reflecting that while Utah Broadband works hard, it also values camaraderie and shared experiences.

“It may seem like a small thing, but it says a lot about the company,” Simmons said. “We build serious infrastructure, but we don’t lose sight of the people doing the work.”

A Career, Not Just a Job

As Simmons reflects on his 15 years at Utah Broadband, one thing is clear: for him, the company has never been just a job.

“It’s been a place where I’ve grown professionally and personally, surrounded by people who care about doing things the right way,” he said. “The work matters, and how we do it matters just as much.”

“We’ve evolved in every way you can imagine,” Simmons said. “But the core values — hard work, integrity, adaptability, and community — are still lived every day. That’s what makes Utah Broadband special, and that’s why I’m proud to be part of this team.”

Utah Policy Guest Opinion: Bridging the digital divide

Posted on by Abi Breaur

Access to reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Yet for many Utahns, especially in rural or rapidly growing suburban areas, high-quality broadband remains out of reach. Students, families, and small businesses all face the same challenge: a digital divide that limits opportunities and growth.

Although Utah ranks well for connectivity, state data shows that more than 60,000 locations remain unserved or underserved, including roughly 43,000 with no reliable access at all. This gap underscores the need to bring high-speed internet to every part of our state.

Utah Broadband was founded to serve the underserved, focusing on communities that larger providers overlooked. More than 20 years later, that mission still guides us. As a locally operated company—supported by our parent company, Boston Omaha—we take pride in caring for our customers and doing everything we can to help the communities we call home.

Federal programs such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative—the largest broadband infrastructure effort in U.S. history—are helping expand connectivity. Recent program updates allow providers to use a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and other technologies, such as satellite, to meet federal standards while prioritizing cost efficiency and broader coverage. In Utah, satellite internet providers played a significant role in BEAD awards, influencing how funds were distributed and shaping the path forward for local providers.

With Utah’s unique geography, a combination of technologies is essential. Fixed wireless is often the most practical solution for hard-to-reach terrain, while fiber offers exceptional long-term performance in more populated areas. Satellite internet plays a critical role in remote locations or areas without the infrastructure for ground-based solutions. Utah Broadband uses both fiber and fixed wireless to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve, ensuring residents have reliable options that fit their environment.

Broadband access is about more than speed—it is about opportunity. Students deserve equal access to educational tools, families need reliable telehealth options, and local businesses rely on strong connectivity to compete and grow. Closing the digital divide strengthens every facet of community life.

Success requires collaboration among policymakers, service providers, and residents. Utah now has a generational opportunity to ensure no community is left behind, and by working with local governments, civic organizations, and federal partners, we can make that happen. With the right combination of technology, funding, and local engagement, we can bring reliable internet to all Utahns. Our goal is not just to provide broadband, but to empower the people and communities we serve.

By working together, we can create a Utah where everyone has access to the high-speed internet they need to thrive in the digital age.

Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband

Utah Broadband working to bridge the digital divide

Posted on by Abi Breaur

The Internet for All initiative, launched by President Joe Biden’s administration, has a goal of connecting reliable, affordable high-speed internet to everyone in America by 2030. Utah Broadband is part of that national multibillion-dollar effort. The company is poised to expand its fiber footprint in the Heber and Park City areas and its fixed wireless network in some of the more rural areas. Wallsburg and Silver Summit are among the places where Utah Broadband is expanding. 

“We’re extremely active in Summit County, trying to provide fiber or high-speed wireless internet to as many customers as we can,” CEO Ben Elkins said.

Utah Broadband, a subsidiary of Boston Omaha, is using government grants and private capital for the projects. The company has been providing wireless internet in the state since 2002 and offering high-speed fiber since 2021. 

The company has 30,000 customers in Utah, about 5,000 to 6,000 of them in Summit and Wasatch counties, though not to date in Park City proper. The other counties where Utah Broadband operates are Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, and Weber. Its business customers in the state total about 3,000, with about 2,000 of them in rural areas.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed in 2021 by Biden, included $42.45 billion to connect Americans to internet service while providing connected devices and digital skills training to those who need it.

“High-speed internet is no longer a luxury — it is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school, access health care, and to stay connected with family and friends,” a White House announcement in 2023 about the funding said. “Yet, more than 8.5 million households and small businesses are in areas where there is no high-speed internet infrastructure, and millions more struggle with limited or unreliable internet options.”

The act established the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which provided $42.45 billion of funding to achieve high-speed broadband access to every unserved and underserved location throughout the United States, including in lower-income areas and rural areas. 

The Trump administration later made some changes designed to lower costs, including eliminating the “fiber preference” to take a technology-neutral approach. 

Fiber is more expensive and sometimes difficult to install in Utah because of the state’s terrain, especially in some of the rural areas. If possible, Utah Broadband deploys fiber in the open trenches for utilities before the developments are built, Elkins said. 

In other circumstances, a high-speed fixed wireless or a satellite option might be more cost effective, he said. 

About 70% of customers have wireless internet and 30% have fiber, according to Elkins. A study in Arizona showed that fiber adds $2,500 to $3,000 to the value of a home, he said. 

Utah Broadcast is also making a push in the Wasatch Back to connect small and medium-sized businesses. 

Among other projects outside of the Wasatch Back, Utah Broadband, in partnership with the South Utah Valley Electrical Service District, is installing fiber in West Mountain, which borders Payson in Utah County, and is also growing in Eden in Weber County.

Elkins predicts 90% to 95% of Americans will have reliable high-speed internet by the end of the decade. More people are using more things in their home that require bandwidth, he said, citing as examples televisions, Ring devices, tablets and Apple watches.

“A lot of people’s refrigerators are now connected,” Elkins said. “Your thermostats are connected. If you start adding it up, a lot of people have 12, 14, 15 devices in the home. So there is a need for  more and more bandwidth in the home as there are more and more technology changes.” 

By Pamela Manson for The Park Record

Utah Broadband is Working to Bridge the Digital Divide in Northern Utah.

Utah Broadband GigWave: Fiber-Like Speeds, Delivered Wirelessly

Posted on by Abi Breaur

Utah Broadband, a trusted local high-speed internet provider, offers GigWave, a customized Ubiquiti Wave line. This advanced wireless broadband solution uses 60 GHz technology to deliver multi-gigabit speeds with the flexibility of wireless and the performance of fiber without the long delays or high cost of traditional construction.

Built for both Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) and Point-to-Point (PtP) applications, GigWave uses a 60 GHz primary radio paired with 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6 backup to ensure fast, stable connections in a wide range of environments, even during inclement weather. 

“GigWave enables us to deliver high-speed internet more quickly and affordably, offering fiber-like performance without the delays of traditional construction,” said Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband. “Its flexibility allows us to connect areas that are often difficult to serve, while still providing the reliability and quality our customers count on.”

GigWave Delivers Key Benefits

  • Up to 1 Gig Speeds— GigWave delivers fast and reliable internet, perfect for streaming, gaming, working from home, and powering smart home devices.
  • Automatic Redundancy—A built-in 5 GHz backup radio ensures uninterrupted service in rain or obstruction, automatically kicking in when needed.
  • Tailored for Your Needs—GigWave hardware comes in various models, allowing Utah Broadband to tailor coverage for neighborhoods, businesses, and rural areas. Select devices even provide dedicated connections for high-demand users. 
  • Weather-Resistant Hardware—GigWave equipment is built tough with UV-stabilized materials and an IPX6 rating to withstand Utah’s climate. 

A Smarter Alternative to Fiber

GigWave offers a faster-to-deploy, cost-effective solution that rivals fiber in performance for many real-world applications. With Utah Broadband’s local expertise and commitment to reliability, GigWave gives customers the speed they need without the wait. “Our goal has always been to make fast, dependable internet accessible to more people,” added Elkins. “GigWave helps us do that in a way that’s smart, efficient, and built for the future.”

To learn more, visit utahbroadband.com or call (801) 717-2002.

UBB Launches Parental Controls for Safer Internet this Summer

Posted on by Abi Breaur

As summer kicks off and kids spend more time at home and on their devices, Utah Broadband is helping parents take charge of their children’s online safety with new parental control features for families using Calix GigaSpire routers. Powered by ExperienceIQ, these tools make it easy to monitor and manage internet use, especially important during the summer months when screen time often increases. 

Putting Safety First: Smart Tools for a Safer Online Experience

With kids and teens spending more unsupervised hours on devices during summer, Utah Broadband’s ExperienceIQ offers powerful, easy-to-use tools that help families stay protected: 

  • Custom User Profiles: Tailor controls for each child with assigned devices and unique settings.

  • Content Filtering: Block unsafe or unwanted websites and categories, such as adult content, gaming, or social media.
  • Scheduled Downtime: Set internet-free times for activities such as outdoor activities, meals, or bedtime.
  • Instant Pause: Hit pause on any device in the moment for screen breaks, chores, or important conversations.
  • Bandwidth Prioritization: Ensure streaming and video calls for work or learning always come through clearly.
  • Usage Reports: Stay informed with detailed insights into who’s using what and when.

    •  

    A Digital Lifeline for Parents

    “In today’s digital age, it’s not just about staying connected, it’s about staying protected,” said Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband. “Especially during the summer months when school is out and routines are looser, parents need the right tools to guide and safeguard their kids’ online experiences.”

    The timing couldn’t be more critical. Recent research shows that 71% of children aged 9-13 have encountered harmful online content, yet two-thirds of parents haven’t set up any form of parental controls. On the other hand, 76% of parents who do use these tools report that they’ve had a positive impact on keeping their children safe. 

    Internet safety with Utah Broadband.

    Utah Broadband: A Trusted Partner in Family Safety

    This latest enhancement is part of Utah Broadband’s broader mission to support the communities it serves with not just fast, reliable internet, but solutions that make everyday life safer and simpler. 

    “At Utah Broadband, we see ourselves as more than a service provider; we’re a partner in helping families thrive,” added Elkins. “By offering features like advanced parental controls, we aim to support families in creating safe and productive online environments, reflecting our ongoing commitment to community well-being and responsible corporate citizenship.”

     

    Unlock Freedom & Savings with UBB’s Vacation Hold

    Posted on by Abi Breaur

    Perfect for Snowbirds, Second-Home Owners, Seasonal Renters, and Others Spending Time Away From Their Utah Property.

    Utah Broadband (UBB), the state’s most trusted provider of high-speed fiber and wireless internet, has announced the launch of its new Vacation Hold program, a solution created specifically for customers who spend extended time away from their Utah homes. 

    Designed for snowbirds, second-homeowners, seasonal renters, and part-time residents, the Vacation Hold program offers a convenient way to reduce internet costs while staying connected to essential smart home devices. 

    A Smarter Way to Hit Pause

    The Vacation Hold program allows customers to temporarily scale back their internet service for up to six months per calendar year. While on hold, customers pay just $20 monthly, plus applicable equipment rental fees for devices such as routers, IP addresses, or Wi-Fi extenders. 

    Internet speeds during the hold period are reduced to 15 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, which is sufficient to support basic functions like: Smart Thermostats, Security Cameras, Smart Lighting, or Remote Access Systems.

    This means customers can maintain control over their homes while away, without paying for full-speed internet they’re not using. 

    Seamless Service Resumption 

    One key advantage of the Vacation Hold program is how easy it is to restart service. Since the equipment remains installed and operational, customers can quickly return to full-speed internet when they return, with no technician appointments or reinstallation needed. To resume service, simply submit the Restore Service form on our website or call in to speak with one of our friendly customer service team members.

    Simple Enrollment Options

    Activating or ending Vacation Hold is designed to be quick and convenient. Customers can:

    According to Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband, “Our Vacation Hold program is all about convenience. Whether you’re heading south for the winter or away for just a few months, it lets you keep your smart home devices online and seamlessly pick up where you left off.”

    Designed With Flexibility in Mind

    This program is ideal for those who:

    • Spend winters in warmer states
    • Rent out their Utah home only seasonally 
    • Travel extensively and want to keep basic connectivity
    • Use Utah properties as vacation homes

    To learn more about how Utah Broadband’s Vacation Hold program can simplify your time away, visit utahbroadband.com/vacation-hold or call 801-717-2000. Whether you’re planning an extended getaway or escaping the snow for the season, we’re here to keep your home connected and your internet service as flexible as your lifestyle. 

    Utah Broadband Launches SmartBiz: A Powerful, Affordable Internet Solution for Small Businesses

    Posted on by Abi Breaur

    Utah Broadband (UBB), Utah’s most trusted high-speed Internet service provider, announced today the launch of SmartBiz, a managed service that integrates the right mix of security, connectivity, and business productivity to help small businesses thrive. The combination of SmartBiz and UBB’s high-speed fiber network delivers a robust set of features and reliable high-performance connectivity that small business owners demand at a great value.

    “We understand the unique needs of small businesses in the greater Salt Lake area and are launching SmartBiz as a way to help them meet those demands,” said UBB CEO Ben Elkins. “SmartBiz provides small businesses the capabilities and security they need to be more productive than using traditional consumer connectivity without having to consider larger, more expensive enterprise-grade solutions. We think small businesses will appreciate what SmartBiz has to offer because it improves performance without burdening the owner with high IT costs or greater complexity.”

    SmartBiz is designed for businesses with fewer than 30 employees and 1-5 locations. It requires little to no budget for IT staffing as the system requires a simple network configuration that makes it easy for the business owner or staff to provision and deploy. The solution targets businesses in hospitality, light industrial, personal care, professional services, recreation, places of worship or retail. 

    “If a small business is spread pretty thin and has competing priorities every day, the last thing it wants to have to worry about is Internet connectivity,” Elkins explained. “Our new SmartBiz solution is purpose-built with the small business owner in mind. It’s really simple to monitor and manage, and out-of-the-box, it keeps businesses safe and secure and offers all the features typical businesses demand today.”

    SmartBiz also includes access to the CommandWorx Mobile App, making it easier than ever for small business owners to monitor and manage their network—anytime, anywhere. This user-friendly app offers quick access to all SmartBiz features through an intuitive interface designed with simplicity in mind. Whether you’re on-site or on the go, CommandWorx gives you complete control. You can even add a second administrator to provide additional support and oversight, making network management more collaborative and stress-free.

    For more information about SmartBiz, call our customer service team at 801-717-2000 or visit our website. 

    West Mountain Gets Fiber Internet Upgrade

    Posted on by Abi Breaur

    *Updates are as of Thursday, October 30th, 2025.

    Utah Broadband (UBB) is expanding high-speed fiber internet to the West Mountain and Lake Shore communities in Southern Utah County. Partnering with the South Utah Valley Electrical Service District (SESD), this project will deliver fast, reliable internet to over 1,000 homes and businesses in a six-phase rollout, starting with Phase 1.1.

    And now, Utah Broadband is officially ready to begin fiber internet installations for customers in Phase 2.1. This exciting milestone marks the beginning of bringing world-class connectivity to homes that have long lacked reliable options.

    Why This Matters

    For years, residents in these rural areas have struggled with limited internet options. With this new fiber network, they’ll get:

    • Faster speeds for streaming, gaming, and working from home
    • Stronger connections for students and businesses
    • Improved access to telehealth and online services

    How It’s Happening

    The project is funded through a state Broadband Access Grant (BAG), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). SESD selected Utah Broadband to handle the rollout because of our expertise in fiber and fixed wireless internet across Utah.

    Parts of the project will use aerial fiber—hanging fiber lines from existing utility poles to speed up deployment. This approach reduces construction time while still delivering the same fast, reliable service.

    A Step Toward Better Connectivity

    SESD and Utah Broadband see this as a huge win for the community. Ben Elkins, UBB’s CEO, says this will enhance local residents’ education, business, and daily lives. SESD Board Chairman Raymond Loveless agrees that better connectivity means better services for everyone.

    What’s Next?

    The project will be completed in six phases, starting with Phase 1.1. Construction is underway, and the fiber network is expected to be fully available by December 2026. As Utah Broadband continues to expand into more rural areas, this project is another step toward bridging the digital divide in Utah.

    Stay tuned for updates as fiber comes to your area! For more information, call our customer service representatives at 801-717-2000, or enter your address below to see what service is available in your neighborhood.

    Utah Broadband Growth Plans Featured on Beyond the Cable Podcast

    Posted on by Abi Breaur
    Beyond the Cable Podcast Social Post

    Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband (UBB), Utah’s most trusted high-speed Internet service provider, appeared on the latest episode of Broadband Communities magazine’s Beyond the Cable podcast to discuss the strategies driving UBB’s growth and the exciting plans for the company’s future. 

    “Since taking the helm as the CEO of Arizona City-based AireBeam, CEO Ben Elkins has overseen a 375 percent growth in fiber subscribers for the ISP,” the podcast’s Host and Producer Brad Randall described the episode. “Now, Elkins is attempting to repeat success at another subsidiary of the Boston Omaha Corporation: Utah Broadband.”

    Elkins took over at AireBeam in 2022 and was named UBB’s CEO in May 2024. Wearing both hats, he reflects on some of AireBeam’s growth, how he achieved such stunning success in Arizona’s Pinal County, and how he will use those keen insights and lessons to advance UBB’s business in the greater Salt Lake region. 

    Elkins believes Utah Broadband has incredible potential, attributing this to the company’s strong work ethic and dedicated, hardworking management team. “UBB’s future is bright because of the passionate people behind it,” Elkins shared. “Their commitment to excellence is the foundation of our growth and success.”
    If you would like to listen to the Beyond the Cable podcast episode featuring CEO Ben Elkins, where he dives deeper into the strategies behind Utah Broadband’s growth and his vision for the future, please visit the Broadband Communities website.