Vision Net Completes Three-State Project for NorthWestern Energy

Vision Net http://www.vision.net/home.php recently completed work on a large, three-state project for NorthWestern Energy (NWE) http://www.northwesternenergy.com/ , bringing high-speed connectivity to 75 remote sites throughout Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota. The “Remote Connect Project” also provides central management of these connections, a determining factor in NWE’s decision to partner with Vision Net as its provider company.

Now, according to NWE Director of IT Infrastructure Steve Reynolds, communication with technicians in the field is quick and efficient. “In the past, our crews faced slow connections when trying to access large files from the corporate network. Faxing was often their only choice,” he said. “Today they can retrieve large data files, such as maps and PowerPoint presentations, quickly and efficiently and even participate in training and safety Webinars. The bottom line is added security, reduced costs, less administration and increased customer support.”

The project was put out via an RFP (Request for Proposal) to companies in the service area. The goal was to find a company that could provide complete service for at least one of the three states, create a single invoice for billing, assume management of existing connections and function as a single contact point per state for trouble calls and provision requests. Based on its response and level of expertise, Vision Net, with offices in Great Falls, Billings and Missoula, was awarded the contract for all three states.

According to Vision Net CEO Rob Ferris, the partnership with NWE was a “terrific opportunity” for us to leverage many areas of expertise. “Our existing relationships with rural telecommunications providers meant we were well prepared to pull together different high-tech players into one seamless connection,” he said. “Also, with a 24/7 call center established in Great Falls, we had the infrastructure necessary to serve as a single point of contact.”

Other Vision Net attributes that proved beneficial include the company’s full range of data, voice and video networking applications (broadband network transport via SONET, ATM, MPLS, IP, Ethernet, satellite and wireless), worldwide videoconferencing, direct Internet access and customized wide-area network management.

For both companies, the relationship has been worthwhile. “Working with NorthWestern Energy has been a real pleasure,” said Ferris. “Their IT team is incredibly savvy. They understand real-world issues and worked hand-in-hand with us to implement this comprehensive project. We really came together as a team.”

NWE’s Reynolds agreed. “We are thrilled with the work that Vision Net has done for us,” he said. “This was a significant project with so many variables and it has turned out wonderfully. Our field crews are already reaping the benefits.”

Incorporated in 1995, Vision Net, Inc. is a Montana company, wholly owned by nine independent telephone companies. On May 1, 2005, Vision Net, Inc. merged with Montana Advanced Information Networks, Inc. (MAIN) to form a combined company uniquely positioned to deliver a wide range of technical and professional services.

The nine owning companies of Vision Net are Advanced Communication Technology, Blackfoot Communications Group, InterBel Telephone Cooperative, Lincoln Telephone Company, Nemont Communications, Northern Communications, Southern Montana Telephone, Triangle Communications System, and 3 Rivers Telecommunications.

Rob Ferris, CEO

Vision Net

1309 NW Bypass

Great Falls, MT 59404