Vistabeam’s Larsen on taking a hands-on local approach to rural broadband

Vistabeam is another example of a company finding a way to serve the often-overlooked rural market. Matt and Monique Larsen, who co-founded Vistabeam in 2004, believed rural communities deserved better internet and better opportunities. Like other entrepreneurs who rose during the early days of the internet, the Larsens were working at another ISP, but saw an opportunity to leverage new wireless technology with a local hands on focus that a national provider can’t offer. 

Vistabeam has continued to grow. Today, its network covers 50,000 square miles and serves more than 100 towns across western Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and southeastern Wyoming — the region it calls Wyobraskarado. The company maintains that its differentiator is not technology, but rather “its heart.” The company is family-owned, locally operated, and committed to creating good jobs in the communities it serves. 

Key Moments in This Episode

Opening

0:05 Introduction of our guest

0:28 Vistabeam’s broadband journey Matt Larsen talks about how Vistabeam has evolved since its founding in 2004. 2:36 Fixed wireless and fiber How Vistabeam is leveraging fixed wireless and fiber to bring broadband to rural areas of Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and southeastern Wyoming.  4:27 Weighing fiber and wireless options Vistabeam sees fiber and wireless as being a tool that fits specific situations. 

5:52 The competitive landscape While Vistabeam faces a mix of traditional rural telcos and competitors, the company says its value lies in its local and responsive approach.   7:19 Middle Mile Vistabeam has built its own middle mile networks with microwave and available fiber to backhaul traffic.  9:19 Fiber broadband expansions The service provider has been leveraging state grants to build fiber in Kimball, Mitchell and Oshkosh, Nebraska. 

12:18 Business service options Vistabeam is being opportunistic with business services, which are resonating with tractor dealerships and others.  14:27 Final Thoughts/closing

About our guest Matt Larsen is the CEO and founder of Vistabeam. Since co-founding the company in 2004, Vistabeam has grown to cover over 50,000 square miles and serve more than 100 towns across western Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and southeastern Wyoming — the region it calls Wyobraskarado. Vistabeam is a hybrid broadband provider that offers both fixed wireless and fiber-based services. Besides his role at Vistabem, he serves as the chairman of WISPA.

About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.