Blackfoot Communications, a regional telecommunications provider, has been serving communities across Montana and Idaho for decades. Established with a commitment to bridging the digital divide, Blackfoot focuses on delivering reliable internet, phone, and television services to often underserved rural and suburban areas. Their market position is characterized by a strong local presence and a dedication to customer service, differentiating them from larger national carriers. Blackfoot Communications operates over 100 years in business, serving tens of thousands of customers across its operational footprint.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price (2025-26) | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Connect | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $59.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1 TB | No |
| Standard Speed | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $79.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1.5 TB | No |
| Pro Speed | 300 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $99.99 | $15/month (modem/router combo) | Unlimited | No |
| Gigabit fiber (select areas) | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $129.99 | $15/month (modem/router combo) | Unlimited | No |
Blackfoot Communications offers a tiered approach to its internet plans, catering to varying user needs and budgets. The Basic Connect plan is suitable for light internet use, such as email and basic browsing. Standard Speed provides a noticeable improvement for streaming and moderate multi-device usage. Pro Speed is designed for heavier users, including remote workers and families with multiple streaming devices. Gigabit Fiber, available in select areas, offers top-tier performance for the most demanding applications. All plans include unlimited data for Pro Speed and Gigabit Fiber, with generous caps on lower tiers.
Blackfoot Communications primarily serves communities in Montana and Idaho, with a strong focus on providing high-speed internet in areas that might otherwise be overlooked by larger providers. Their coverage is most robust in mid-sized towns and surrounding rural areas within these states. While urban centers are not their primary focus, they do offer services in select suburban neighborhoods. Availability of their highest speed tiers, particularly Gigabit Fiber, is limited to specific neighborhoods where their fiber network has been deployed. Users are encouraged to check Blackfoot's official website for precise serviceability in their address.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Connect | $59.99 | $59.99 | Installation Fee: $75 (waived with 12-month commitment) | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Standard Speed | $79.99 | $79.99 | Installation Fee: $75 (waived with 12-month commitment) | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Pro Speed | $99.99 | $99.99 | Installation Fee: $75 (waived with 12-month commitment) | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Gigabit Fiber | $129.99 | $129.99 | Installation Fee: $75 (waived with 12-month commitment) | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
Blackfoot Communications generally offers transparent pricing with promotional rates often aligning with standard rates, simplifying the value proposition for consumers. The primary upfront cost is the installation fee, which can be waived by committing to a 12-month service term. Bundling internet with their phone and TV services can unlock additional savings, making it an attractive option for customers seeking a comprehensive home service package. For many, especially in their service areas, Blackfoot offers competitive value considering the lack of price increases after the initial term.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong local customer support | Limited availability outside of Montana and Idaho |
| No annual contracts required for standard plans | Gigabit speeds are only available in select, fiber-enabled areas |
| Generous data allowances on most plans | Installation fees can be a barrier without a commitment |
| Competitive pricing for the provided speeds | Customer service wait times can sometimes be longer due to regional focus |
| Bundling options offer significant savings | DSL technology may still be the only option in some very remote areas |
Blackfoot Communications prides itself on providing personalized customer service, a key differentiator in the telecommunications market. Their support teams are generally accessible and knowledgeable about their service offerings and local infrastructure. While they strive for prompt resolutions, call volumes can sometimes lead to longer wait times, particularly during peak hours or after major service events. Installation satisfaction is generally high due to professional technicians ensuring proper setup. Reliability ratings are typically good, especially in areas with modern infrastructure.
| Feature | Blackfoot Internet | CenturyLink (Lumen) | Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Type | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial, Fiber (expanding) | DSL, Fiber (expanding) | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial |
| Max Download Speed | 1 Gbps (Fiber) | Up to 940 Mbps (Fiber) | Up to 1 Gbps (DOCSIS 3.1) |
| Monthly Pricing (Starting) | $59.99 | $55.00 (DSL) / $75.00 (Fiber) | $69.99 |
| Data Policies | 1 TB / 1.5 TB / Unlimited | Unlimited (Fiber), 1 TB (DSL) | Unlimited |
| Contract Required | No | No | No |
| Customer Satisfaction | Good (local focus) | Mixed (DSL reliability) | Average |
Blackfoot Communications is an excellent choice for residents in Montana and Idaho seeking reliable internet service, particularly in areas where larger providers may have limited offerings or subpar customer support. Their commitment to expanding fiber infrastructure means that many rural and suburban customers can now access high-speed internet previously unavailable. The transparent pricing, lack of mandatory contracts, and strong local customer service make them a compelling option.
Ideal customer profiles include: