Call for Internet!
Mountain West Telephone, a long-standing telecommunications provider, has been serving communities across the Mountain West region for over 75 years. Primarily known for its robust landline services, the company has strategically expanded its internet offerings to meet the evolving digital needs of its customer base. With a strong focus on rural and underserved areas, Mountain West Telephone aims to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable broadband access. The company serves a significant portion of its historical footprint, with a growing emphasis on modernizing its network infrastructure to support higher speeds and greater capacity. Their market position is characterized by a commitment to local service and community investment, distinguishing them from larger national providers.
Key Statistics:
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Broadband | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps | $55.00 | $10.00/month (rental) | 1 TB | No |
| Standard Internet | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $75.00 | $10.00/month (rental) | 1 TB | No |
| High-Speed fiber (select areas) | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $95.00 | $15.00/month (rental) | Unlimited | No |
| Gigabit Fiber (select areas) | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $120.00 | $15.00/month (rental) | Unlimited | No |
Mountain West Telephone offers a tiered service structure, with plans designed to accommodate varying user needs. The Basic and Standard plans utilize DSL or cable technology, suitable for basic browsing and email. For areas with fiber infrastructure, higher-speed options are available, providing symmetrical download and upload speeds ideal for streaming, gaming, and heavy data usage. Equipment rental fees are standard across most plans, with an option to purchase compatible modems/routers. Data caps are in place for non-fiber plans, but are generous enough for most households. Contract-free options are the norm, promoting flexibility for subscribers.
Mountain West Telephone's internet service is most prevalent in its historical service territories across Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. While their DSL and cable offerings have broader reach, especially in smaller towns and rural communities, their high-speed fiber services are currently limited to specific municipalities and newer developments. Availability can vary significantly even within the same state, with urban centers and more densely populated areas more likely to have access to their advanced fiber optic networks. Efforts are underway to expand fiber coverage, but rural areas may still be limited to DSL or lower-tier cable options.
States with best coverage: Montana, Wyoming
Cities with best coverage: Bozeman (MT), Cheyenne (WY), Boise (ID) - for fiber options.
Urban areas generally have better access to higher-speed tiers, while rural availability is often limited to foundational broadband speeds.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Broadband | $55.00 | $55.00 | Equipment Rental: $10.00/month | Yes (with phone service) |
| Standard Internet | $75.00 | $75.00 | Equipment Rental: $10.00/month | Yes (with phone service) |
| High-Speed Fiber (select areas) | $95.00 | $95.00 | Equipment Rental: $15.00/month | Yes (with phone service) |
| Gigabit Fiber (select areas) | $120.00 | $120.00 | Equipment Rental: $15.00/month | Yes (with phone service) |
Mountain West Telephone's pricing is competitive, especially when considering their focus on underserved areas. Promotional pricing is not a significant factor as their rates are generally consistent. The primary additional cost is the equipment rental fee. Bundling with their traditional phone services can offer moderate savings, making them an attractive option for customers seeking a single provider for essential communication needs. The value proposition is strongest in areas where fiber is available, offering high-speed internet at a reasonable price point compared to national competitors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong presence in rural and underserved areas. | Fiber optic availability is limited to select locations. |
| Reliable service with a long history of operation. | DSL and cable speeds can be slower than fiber competitors. |
| Contract-free plans offer flexibility. | Equipment rental fees add to the monthly cost. |
| Bundling options with phone service. | Customer support wait times can sometimes be long. |
| Commitment to local communities. | Limited advanced features or premium support tiers. |
Mountain West Telephone generally receives positive feedback regarding its customer service, particularly for its personalized approach in smaller communities. They strive to offer a more hands-on support experience compared to larger, national providers. However, like many telecommunications companies, wait times for phone support can fluctuate, especially during peak hours. Installation satisfaction is typically high due to experienced local technicians.
| Feature | Mountain West Telephone | CenturyLink (Lumen) | Sparklight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Type | DSL, Cable, Fiber (limited) | DSL, Fiber (limited) | Cable, Fiber (limited) |
| Max Download Speed | 1 Gbps (Fiber) | 940 Mbps (Fiber) | 1 Gbps (Fiber) |
| Pricing | Competitive, especially for DSL/Cable | Variable, can be higher for comparable speeds | Competitive, similar to MWT for Cable |
| Data Policies | 1 TB cap on DSL/Cable, Unlimited on Fiber | Often has caps or higher prices for unlimited | 1 TB cap on most plans |
| Customer Satisfaction | Generally good, localized support | Mixed, can be inconsistent | Mixed, often depends on local franchise |
Mountain West Telephone is an excellent choice for residents in its service areas, particularly those in rural or smaller towns who may have limited options for high-speed internet. If you are looking for a reliable provider with a strong local presence and a commitment to community, Mountain West Telephone is a solid contender. Their contract-free plans offer great flexibility, and bundling with their phone service can provide added value. For users in areas with fiber availability, the speeds and symmetrical upload/download capabilities offer a competitive edge. However, if you reside in a major metropolitan area where multiple fiber providers offer gigabit speeds at lower price points, you might find more competitive options. Mountain West Telephone excels in providing essential broadband services where larger providers may not prioritize.
Ideal Customer Profiles:
Best Use Cases: