Bringing Speedgoats to Saratoga

Saratoga may have another provider of high-speed internet in the near future, adding a fiber optic option provided to parts of the municipality by Union Wireless.

At the September 5 meeting of the Saratoga Town Council, Mayor Chuck Davis informed the rest of the governing body he had signed a letter of support for Mountain West Technologies. The letter, which was included in the council packet, was dated August 22 and addressed to the Wyoming Business Council Connect Wyoming Grant Committee.

“I believe that this project will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in our state and creating opportunities for both residential and business users,” read the letter. “The proposed project to reach an estimated 156 homes and businesses is commendable and addresses a pressing need for improved connectivity across Wyoming.”

Mountain West Technologies is a Wyoming-based company with an office in Casper, according to filings with the Wyoming Secretary of State, and was founded in 2005. Along with providing phone service to central and southeastern Wyoming, the company provides internet through Speedgoat Internet along with television streaming with Vidgo, according to its website.

Earlier this year, Union Wireless had attended a meeting of the Saratoga Town Council to provide an update on their fiber optic buildout. Brian Woody, chief customer relations officer for Union Wireless, told the governing body the company had been delayed on their buildout due to issues with federal funding. Though upgrading to broadband had been required by the federal government, as of March 2023 only 39% of infrastructure replacement would be funded. Woody told the council he did not foresee any construction occurring in 2023, but hoped it would resume in 2024.

In 2019, Union Wireless had announced completion of their fiber-optic network in downtown Saratoga with the intention of extending the network to the residential area north of Saratoga.

Meanwhile, according to the letter of support, Mountain West Technologies is anticipating a December 31, 2026 completion date for their fiber-optic expansion in Saratoga.