FRANKLIN COUNTY, ID — We are proud to announce a major high-speed fiber internet expansion project from Preston passing through Riverdale and continuing on to Mink Creek. As part of the USDA ReConnect Grant 2, this initiative will bridge the digital divide for rural residents by providing reliable, gigabit-speed connectivity to approximately 400 homes.
The project involves the construction of 73 miles of fiber trunkline starting in Preston, passing through Riverdale, and Mink Creek continuing towards Liberty. This infrastructure serves as the backbone of a modern network designed to handle the growing bandwidth demands of remote work, online education, and digital entertainment.
Project Timeline and Phases
Construction is currently in Phase 2 (Construction Planning). Direct Communications anticipates the following milestones:
- Summer 2026: Trunkline construction is expected to begin.
- Late 2026: Completion of the main trunkline (weather permitting).
- 2027: Residential installations begin, connecting individual customers to the network.
“We are committed to bringing the same level of world-class technology to our rural communities that is typically reserved for major metropolitan areas,” said Tim May, President of Direct Communications. “This expansion into Mink Creek is a vital step in our mission to ensure Franklin County remains a connected and competitive place to live and work.”
Building on a Proven Track Record
This new project joins several other successful fiber initiatives by Direct Communications in the region, including:
- Weston: Partnered with the town of Weston with the help of the Idaho Broadband grant to provide internet to residents in this town.
- Clifton, Dayton, Thatcher: Successfully completed fiber networks serving over 1,000 residences.
- Liberty: Direct Communication crews have started installing underground conduit for the Liberty fiber-optic network to connect over 100 locations.
- Thatcher (Community Connect): This project will be connecting 170 locations with Gig/ Gig speeds. A community center will also be provided during construction, connecting residents with free internet, computer access, and tech support.
Residents in the Mink Creek area can view the project’s progress and coverage area via the DC Mink Creek Project Map.