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.
