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SESD & UBB Fiber Project Progress Updates

Posted on by Abi Breaur

*Updates are as of May 2026

The South Utah Valley Electric Service District (SESD) is leading one of the most impactful rural infrastructure projects in Utah County — bringing high-speed fiber internet to the West Mountain and Lake Shore communities in partnership with Utah Broadband (UBB).

The South Utah Valley Electric Service District (SESD) to bring Fiber Internet to its communities.

What started as a vision to close the digital divide in rural southern Utah Valley is now becoming a reality for hundreds of homes and businesses. SESD proactively secured Broadband Access Grant funding for the project and selected Utah Broadband as its internet service provider partner to design, build, and operate the network.

Today, more than 65% of the project is complete, with fiber service already available to nearly 600 homes throughout the project area.

This is what local infrastructure leadership looks like. SESD did not wait for outside providers to solve the connectivity challenges facing their communities. They took initiative, secured funding, and invested directly in the future of the people they serve.

Project Update — May 2026

The West Mountain Fiber Project is being completed in six major construction phases. Significant progress has already been made across the service area.

Current Construction Status

  • Phases 1, 2, and 3: Complete
    Construction and make-ready work have been finalized throughout the northern and central portions of the project area.
  • Phase 4: In Progress
    Construction crews are actively building Phase 4, which is approaching 50% completion.
  • Phases 5 and 6: Coming Next
    Final design and construction activities will continue through the end of 2026.

To date, the project has achieved several major milestones:

  • More than 240 utility poles replaced
  • Nearly 50 miles of fiber optic cable installed
  • Nearly 600 homes have service availability today

SESD’s planning and electric crews have played a critical role throughout the project, assisting with route planning, permitting, make-ready coordination, and ongoing construction support to help keep the build on schedule.

Why Fiber Internet Matters for West Mountain

For years, many residents in West Mountain and Lake Shore had limited options for reliable, high-speed internet service. This fiber network changes that.

With fiber internet from SESD and Utah Broadband, residents now have access to:

  • Internet speeds up to 2 Gbps
  • Reliable connectivity for remote work and online learning
  • Better access to telehealth and modern digital services
  • Seamless streaming, gaming, and smart home connectivity
  • A locally operated network backed by local customer support

This investment is about much more than internet access. It is about creating opportunities for rural communities to thrive in a modern digital world.

Families can stay connected. Students can complete schoolwork without interruptions. Small businesses can compete from anywhere. Farmers and ranchers can operate more efficiently using modern technology and connected equipment.

Reliable broadband infrastructure is no longer optional — it is essential.

A Partnership Built for the Community

SESD is not simply sponsoring this project — they are leading it.

As a trusted electric service district serving thousands of homes and businesses across southern Utah Valley, SESD understands the importance of investing in long-term infrastructure that benefits the entire community. By championing this fiber buildout, SESD has become one of the few rural utilities in the country actively helping deliver next-generation broadband service to its residents.

Utah Broadband is proud to serve as SESD’s ISP partner. Together, the two organizations have completed more than 1.5 years of planning, design, permitting, make-ready work, and active construction, with the full network expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

“This project is about more than internet,” said Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband. “It is about what happens when a community utility decides to invest in its people.”

SESD Board Chairman Raymond Loveless echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that improved connectivity creates better opportunities and services for every household and business within the district.

Fiber Service Is Available Now in Completed Areas

Fiber internet service is already available in many completed portions of the project area, including parts of West Mountain and Lake Shore.

Construction crews will continue expanding service availability throughout 2026 as additional neighborhoods are completed during Phases 4, 5, and 6.

If you live in the project area, your address may already qualify for fiber internet service.

Check Availability

Enter your address in the lookup tool below or call us at (801) 717-2000 to check service availability.

We will continue posting project updates as new neighborhoods come online.

Utah Broadband and SESD Partner to Expand Fiber Internet Access

Posted on by Abi Breaur

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.