MISSOULA, MT — (Marketwire) — 09/13/12 — Blackfoot Telecommunications Group continues to keep a new fire camp near Alta connected with critical wireless services. The wireless access helps ensure the continued safety of firefighters by providing them access to critical communication services through their Verizon cellular phones. The access is provided through Blackfoot-s existing fiber optic network, which covers 6,500-square-miles in Western Montana.
Blackfoot was one of two local carriers to receive a special order last Thursday requesting transport service for a Verizon cellular tower to reach the Alta fire camp. Verizon reached out to Blackfoot after they learned the other provider could not provide access due to limited facilities. Blackfoot responded with a team of circuit and cable technicians who used existing Blackfoot infrastructure in the area to seamlessly connect new wireless service to the fire camp within 24 hours. “Our teams started late on Thursday and finished up late on Friday,” said Blackfoot-s Central Office Manager, JB Ray.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line each day to keep our communities safe,” commented Bill Squires, Blackfoot-s CEO. “If Blackfoot can help by providing the broadband backbone for cellular services to deliver critical fire updates and to connect firefighters with family and friends from remote locations, we believe it-s our job to step in and help.”
Verizon Network Operations Manager, Jeff Kelly, said, “When we called Blackfoot, they immediately started working behind the scenes with a shared concern for the firefighters. They were responsive, helpful and professional — really the heroes, since this never would have been possible without them.”
Blackfoot continues to serve as a key technology leader, delivering the region-s most stable broadband services and having built the first private-managed VoIP network in Western Montana.
Blackfoot Telecommunications Group (Blackfoot) offers advanced telecommunications solutions to customers in Missoula and throughout Montana and Idaho including voice, data, IT and security services. Blackfoot-s fiber optic network expands through 6,500-square-miles of Western Montana. Named after the Blackfoot River running through much of the territory it serves, Blackfoot was originally established in 1954 as Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative and is headquartered in Missoula, Montana. Blackfoot can be reached at 406-541-5000 or online at .
Blackfoot Telecommunications Group
Phone: (406) 541-5000
FAX: (406) 532-5032
1221 N. Russell St.
Missoula, MT 59808
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