By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
The tribal members of the Moapa Band of Paiutes will soon be receiving fiber optic internet service.
After many years of planning and trying to get better service to the reservation, the Moapa Valley Telephone Company (MVT) received permission from former tribal chairman Greg Anderson during November of last year.
“We jumped at the chance and went to work right away,” said MVT President Brad Lyon. “It will bring service to over 100 members.”
Lyon added that the tribal government buildings already had fiber optic installed and available for use. However, the newer housing and original housing areas still needed to be serviced.
The newer housing already had the conduit but just needed fiber optic installed. Lyon said they are aiming to have full service by the end of April.
“We average about 2-3 installations a day,” he said.
They are unaware of the feedback of the project but they know from personal experience that a lot of tribal residents are requesting the service.
He added that regular internet service of 50-100 MB has been out there a long time but this will help with more opportunities for working at home, educational pursuits, gaming and entertainment for the customers.
“This helps our goal of 100% fiber service to all our customers,” he said.
Lyon added that the company is well on the way to meeting that goal.
He said they still have some holes of no fiber service within the community, including some gaps up by the high school. However, he believes everything is online to be at 100 percent by their goal year of 2028.
“Most of Moapa, Glendale and Warm Springs area have the optimal service of fiber optic,” he said.
The cost of the project was split with Overton Power District #5 in which it benefits customers of both partnered agencies.
Most of the work of installation on the fiber line has been contracted out, according to Lyon.
There was no response back from the tribal chair after contact attempts were made.
Lyon said no one has refused the service and that it has been a very positive experience working with the tribe.
