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.
Utah Broadband (UBB), Utah’s most trusted high-speed Internet service provider and a subsidiary of Boston Omaha Corporation (NYSE: BOC), and South Utah Valley Electrical Service District (SESD) have entered into a partnership to provide high-speed fiber Internet to southern Utah County’s West Mountain area. The project began in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2026. The project is funded by the state’s Broadband Access Grant (BAG), awarded by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity Utah Broadband Center (UBC). Funding for the grant comes from the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Funds, which is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and was awarded to SESD.
“We couldn’t be more excited to win the SESD grant,” said UBB CEO Ben Elkins. “This is a significant milestone for the West Mountain and Lake Shore communities, and Utah Broadband. Bringing fiber to those areas will enhance the quality of life, education, telehealth, and work opportunities. I’m incredibly proud of the entire UBB team, with special thanks to Mike Simmons, who spearheaded this endeavor.”
Elkins expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Rebecca Dilg, director of the state’s Utah Broadband Center, for her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in bridging the digital divide across the state. “Rebecca’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in creating opportunities for communities to thrive in the digital age,” said Elkins. He also shared Utah Broadband’s excitement about teaming up with South Utah Valley Electric Service District (SESD) to bring reliable fiber internet to the West Mountain and Lake Shore communities. “This partnership marks a significant step forward in ensuring that these communities have access to the high-speed connectivity they deserve, unlocking new opportunities for education, business, and everyday life,” Elkins added.
Raymond Loveless, SESD board chairman, echoed the same enthusiasm, saying, “SESD is thrilled to collaborate with Utah Broadband to expand Internet options for the West Mountain and Lake Shore areas within our service district. Enhanced connectivity will not only improve access to essential services but also enable SESD to provide better electrical services for our customers across the district. This partnership allows both entities to combine resources, expertise, and insights to achieve common goals without adding costs for our electrical customers.”
Both Elkins and Loveless highlighted the project’s transformative potential. This initiative promises to deliver high-speed fiber Internet to over 1,000 homes and businesses in the West Mountain area, significantly improving connectivity and supporting education, business growth, and community development.
According to Rebecca Dilg, director of the UBC, part of the Center’s legislative duties is facilitating state broadband grants to incentivize broadband internet infrastructure projects in communities that otherwise would not receive them, particularly rural areas.
“The internet is no longer a luxury as our society, health care, educational institutions, and economies rely on online access,” Dilg said. “Without access, the digital divide threatens to leave individuals at a disadvantage. Internet service providers such as UBB, local government, and community supporters can narrow the gap and improve commerce and online opportunities for all populations. This partnership between UBB and SESD is a fitting example of that at work.”
The collaboration between Utah Broadband and SESD represents a vital step forward in closing the digital divide in Utah’s rural communities. With a shared vision of enhanced connectivity and community growth, this project will bring transformative benefits to the West Mountain area. As the partnership progresses, it stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in creating opportunities and improving lives through reliable, high-speed fiber internet access.
Taking a few simple steps to optimize your wireless router can significantly improve its signal with minimal effort. Periodically reviewing your network and following these tips can help you get the best performance from your router.
Simple Tips to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
Regular maintenance, like rebooting your router during off-hours, can help keep it running smoothly. This also allows the router to process automatic updates and implement necessary adjustments.
Change your Wi-Fi password regularly and keep it private to minimize the risk of unauthorized access, whether from digital freeloaders or unwanted users.
Keep in mind that some devices may automatically update to use your new password. In such cases, you might need to manually remove these devices or have them “forget” your network.
For added security, consider enabling your router’s guest network feature. This allows visitors to connect without sharing your main Wi-Fi password.
Remove outdated devices from your network, as older standards can slow down performance. Routers often default to the slowest standard in use. Disconnecting older devices and rebooting your router will allow it to reconfigure for faster speeds.
Position your router as close to the center of your home as possible to maximize its range and ensure better connectivity for all your devices. To maintain optimal performance, avoid placing it near sources of interference, like steel beams or thick walls.
Follow the instructions in your router’s manual to keep its firmware up to date. Firmware updates often improve your router’s performance and automatically optimize its signal.
If your router has removable antennas, consider upgrading them for better performance. While the included antennas are functional, higher-quality replacements from the router’s manufacturer or third parties can significantly improve signal strength and coverage.
What Should My Router Settings Be?
Your router lets you prioritize traffic and “whitelist” specific devices, ensuring they get more bandwidth while limiting or ignoring others. Since most routers don’t automatically distinguish between high-demand activities like 4K streaming and low-impact tasks like smart device connections, setting these priorities can significantly improve performance.
Take note of the “names” assigned to devices on your network. These are typically based on the device’s brand, sometimes customized, like “Jenny’s iPhone.” Simpler devices, such as smart plugs, may display the manufacturer’s name or a serial number. Televisions are often labeled with their location in the house, making them easier to identify.
Make a list of the rooms where each device connected to your router is located.
Check your router’s web portal or app for a tab marked “Quality of Service” (QoS) and select it.
In the QoS settings, you can prioritize specific devices, like your streaming stick, to ensure they get the best performance. You can also block unfamiliar devices, but be sure to check with household members or visitors first to avoid accidentally disconnecting their tablets or other personal devices.
You can assign devices to specific bands and channels with a dual-band router for optimal performance. Use the 5 GHz bands for devices close to the router, offering faster speeds but a shorter range. Connect devices farther away or frequently moved, like laptops, to the 2.4 GHz band, which has a more extended range but slower speeds.
If you have multiple devices, consider assigning individual channels within each band. If a device performs better on one channel than another, it may be experiencing interference, such as from a nearby router, on the slower channel.
If you’re unsure about your router’s performance, reach out to your internet service provider. They can often offer assistance and, in some cases, send technicians to help with installation and setup.
Maximizing your router’s performance can be tricky, but a few simple routines and checks can make a big difference when it matters most. Utah Broadband is always here to help if you have any questions or concerns.
We are thrilled to share that Utah Broadband has been named the #1 Internet Service Provider in Park City by The Park Record! This recognition, featured on pages 43 and 8 of The Park Record’s Park City’s Best magazine, is a milestone we are incredibly proud of. You can also read the feature on The Park Record’s website.
After placing second for the past two years, this honor reflects our ongoing commitment to providing fast, reliable internet to the Park City community. We’re so grateful for our loyal customers who trust us to keep them connected and to everyone who voted for us.
This recognition motivates us to continue delivering the exceptional service you deserve, whether you’re streaming, gaming, working, or staying connected with loved ones.
Thank you, Park City, for making us your #1 choice!
Looking for high-speed, reliable internet in Park City? Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep you connected!
Ever since the Internet became ubiquitous in our lives, the question of download and upload speeds has perplexed the everyday person. Shouldn’t there just be one speed? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Two types of connections determine the speed and reliability of Internet service – symmetrical and asymmetrical. Each type has pros and cons, and understanding them will make it easier to decide which one to use.
What’s the Difference?
Symmetrical connections are exactly what they sound like—a connection with equal download and upload speeds. For example, a 500/500 megabits per second (Mbps) symmetrical connection provides 500 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload speeds. On the other hand, an asymmetrical connection does not offer equal download/upload speeds. For instance, a 60/3 Mbps connection means 60 Mbps for downloading and only 3 Mbps for uploading. Asymmetrical speeds are common in traditional Internet connections, such as cable or fixed wireless.
Benefits of Symmetrical Connections
The main advantage of a symmetrical connection is its consistency and the guaranteed upload and download speeds. However, symmetrical connections typically come at a higher cost. Additional benefits of symmetrical connections include:
Faster (and larger) file uploads. Uploading files to the cloud can feel like it takes forever, especially with large video or graphic files. With symmetrical speeds, uploads are just as fast as downloads, saving time and speeding up task completion.
Elimination of Internet roadblocks. Slow uploads and dropped video calls often happen when insufficient bandwidth causes data congestion during peak traffic periods. Symmetrical connections address these problems by providing consistent upload speeds, ensuring smoother performance, and minimizing disruptions to productivity.
Enhanced access to cloud services. Thanks to its flexibility, secure storage, and seamless team collaboration, cloud computing has become increasingly popular among businesses and consumers. However, reliable access to cloud services depends on fast upload speeds. Symmetrical connections ensure that cloud services remain accessible and perform at their best.
Benefits of Asymmetrical Connections
The biggest advantage of asymmetrical connections is their cost-effectiveness. An asymmetrical connection can be a practical choice for budget-conscious users who are willing to compromise on performance. Key benefits of asymmetrical connections include:
Affordability. Asymmetrical connections are usually more budget-friendly, ranging from 10% to 15% less expensive than their symmetrical counterparts.
Fast download speeds. While uploads may take longer with asymmetrical connections, you can still enjoy high-speed downloading. If uploading is not a high priority for your business or personal use, investing in an asymmetrical connection might be a more reasonable option.
Availability. Since asymmetrical was the first connection type supplied by early Internet service providers, it is more accessible because of its legacy.
What’s the Best Fit?
Choosing between symmetrical and asymmetrical connections depends on specific Internet usage and requirements. Both connections have their benefits, but what works best for your situation depends on the usage of the Internet in your individual case. Consider the following factors to determine which option is the best fit.
In work environments, investing in symmetrical speeds is worthwhile if:
The work environment is distributed across a large geographic area, with multiple sites and locations, especially if a significant remote workforce is present.
Work heavily relies on collaboration tools within the office environment.
The migration or existing use of cloud-based applications and services such as Google Drive, Office 365, Salesforce, etc. are required.
Symmetrical speeds are especially beneficial for home use if:
Home applications, such as environmental monitoring systems or entertainment systems requiring consistent bandwidth, necessitate unswerving download and upload speeds.
The type of Internet connection affects speed, such as fiber connections that offer higher performance, making symmetrical speeds more appropriate.
The number of users and types of usage in a household requires consistent and reliable speeds, especially with the performance demands required to support remote work and online gaming.
For work environments, asymmetrical connections might fulfill needs if:
The work environment is small, with only a few employees.
The work applications and usage patterns are not bandwidth-intensive or resource-heavy.
There is infrequent use of large file sharing such as videos and graphics.
In terms of home usage, asymmetrical speeds might fulfill your needs if:
The need for high Internet for devices and applications isn’t required
The number of users is small
Entertainment platforms don’t require a lot of bandwidth
Availability of high-speed Internet, such as fiber to the home, is not accessible
Most cable internet connections operate with asymmetrical bandwidth, delivering data significantly faster in one direction than the other. One of the selling points for fiber Internet is higher-performing connectivity, reaching speeds of 10 Gig or more. On top of that, because it provides a symmetrical connection, no matter how fast your download speed is, the upload speed will be the same, so data-intensive applications such as large file transfers, videoconferencing, streaming, gaming, and more will perform more optimally.
The choice of internet connectivity should be guided by current and anticipated future demands. A comprehensive assessment of both work and home needs and goals can help individuals make informed decisions and avoid potential regrets later on.
If you need assistance, Utah Broadband’s team of experts is here to help assess your needs and recommend the best solutions to meet your goals. Our customer support team is available to assist you via phone at 801-717-2000 or by email at Support@utahbroadband.com.
