How Does Beehive Know Which Communities to Expand to Next?

By Beehive Broadband | November 1, 2024

By Cameron Francis, Chief Executive Officer at Beehive Broadband

As the CEO of Beehive Broadband, one of the most exciting parts of my job is being part of the decision-making process that helps expand our fiber internet services into new communities. But how exactly does Beehive decide where to go next? The answer lies in a combination of collaboration, our history, and our commitment to ensuring that every community—no matter how remote—has access to reliable, high-speed internet.

A Legacy of Connecting Communities

Beehive Broadband’s story began in 1963 when we were founded as the Silver Beehive Telephone Company. At that time, the goal was simple but critical: to bring cutting-edge communication technology (in that era, telephone service) to rural areas that didn’t have access to it. Our founder Art Brothers saw a need to connect people who were being left behind as technological advances centered around urban areas. Fast forward to today, and that mission hasn’t changed—though the technology certainly has.

From our early days, we’ve remained focused on reaching underserved and hard-to-reach communities. Just as our predecessors laid phone lines where there were none, today, we’re laying fiber-optic cables in areas where high-speed internet is still a luxury.

Collaboration Is Key

One of the main ways we determine where to expand next is by working closely with local governments, municipalities and housing associations. These partnerships are vital because no one understands the needs of a community better than its leaders. They often come to us with a clear picture of how better internet could enhance economic development, improve access to education and healthcare, or simply provide a better quality of life for their residents.

These conversations often begin when a community identifies internet access as a priority. Whether through town hall meetings or private discussions, leaders reach out to us, and together we assess the area’s current infrastructure, its potential for growth, and the steps required to make fiber a reality.

Recently, I had the honor of representing Beehive Broadband and the Nevada Telecommunications Association at a prestigious Broadband industry roundtable in Reno, NV. Having a seat at this table was an incredible opportunity to voice our needs and contribute to the future of broadband in Nevada.

We also keep an eye on housing developments and associations because new builds present a unique opportunity. When new homes are being planned, we work directly with developers to make sure fiber is installed from the get-go. This means that when new families move in, they’re already connected to the fastest and most reliable internet available.

Prioritizing Need and Feasibility

While we’d love to connect every underserved area immediately, practical considerations come into play. We evaluate factors like the current demand for high-speed internet, the population density of a community and the availability of infrastructure that can support fiber expansion. Some areas have existing infrastructure that makes fiber installation more straightforward, while others require more groundwork, which can impact our timeline.

At Beehive, we take a long-term view. Communities with a strong growth outlook, or those where connectivity could make a significant impact on education, health and economic opportunities, tend to rise to the top of our list.

Staying True to Our Mission

Even as we look to the future, we never lose sight of our roots. Our goal has always been to connect communities—especially those that larger providers often overlook. That spirit of service continues to guide us as we plan our next moves, always asking ourselves: where can we make the most difference?

By working closely with the communities themselves, listening to their needs and balancing those needs with feasibility and long-term impact, Beehive continues to fulfill the vision we started with in 1963—ensuring that every home, no matter how remote, can stay connected to the world.

For more information, give our Beehive specialists a buzz at 844-390-3310.