A Rockland-based telecommunications company that has been serving the region since 1954 is making two major moves to bring faster internet to Southeast Idaho — extending fiber optic service to Montpelier and launching a new wireless internet service in Pocatello.

Direct Communications announced it is expanding its fiber optic network to Montpelier in a multi-phase project aimed at bringing next-generation connectivity to Bear Lake County. Construction on the first of four zones is scheduled to begin this fall.

"We aren't just building a network; we are investing in our neighbors," said Tim May, president of Direct Communications. "Having been rooted in the Bear Lake Valley for years, we know firsthand how vital true high-speed connectivity is for our families and local businesses. This fiber expansion ensures that Montpelier isn't just keeping up with the digital age, but leading the way."

Fiber internet delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds — meaning uploads are as fast as downloads — along with virtually zero lag and the bandwidth needed to support multiple simultaneous users in a single household. The company said it is rolling out the Montpelier infrastructure in four zones to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

Residents wanting to learn more can visit the Direct Communications team at Bear Lake Trail Days on June 13 at the Montpelier Fairgrounds. Service availability can be checked at directcom.com.

Meanwhile, Direct Communications is expanding its reach to Pocatello through its Optix subsidiary, which will offer high-speed wireless internet service to residents and businesses throughout the Gate City.

Unlike traditional fiber, which requires physical lines to be buried underground, Optix's local wireless internet uses secure, carrier-grade airwaves to transmit high-speed data from neighborhood broadcast towers to a small receiver mounted on a customer's home. The technology is designed to serve households and businesses in areas where running fiber lines is difficult or cost-prohibitive.

"Optix gives us a way to deliver that same great speed people expect from Direct Communications, just through a different setup," May said. "By bringing wireless into the mix, we can connect more neighbors to our local network."

Beyond residential service, Optix also specializes in custom Wi-Fi networks engineered for high-density environments including apartment communities, hospitals, schools, event centers and government buildings — markets the company has served for years before expanding into broader residential coverage.

Pocatello customers can choose from three speed packages and can add Direct Protect+, an advanced network security service. Coverage availability can be checked at optix.net.

Together, the two expansions represent a significant push by one of the state's oldest locally owned telecom companies to close the digital divide in Southeast Idaho.