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SilverStar tells Rexburg council fiber build now serves much of west side; free drops through Dec. 1
Summary
SilverStar told the council roughly 350 homes are actively using fiber service with about 200 drops in progress; the company said free drops will remain available through Dec. 1 under current contracts and new-construction hookups are free if installed via an open trench.
A SilverStar representative briefed the Rexburg City Council on the broadband build-out during the July 17 meeting, reporting residential take rates, construction progress and connection policies.
Brock Walters of SilverStar showed a map of completed areas and said everything west of the railroad tracks is live. He reported about 350 homes are actively using service and about 200 additional drops are in progress; he said the company’s average take rate across the project currently runs about 30% while some neighborhoods (the Henderson area) show about a 61–62% take rate. Walters explained that, under current contract terms, SilverStar is offering free construction drops to the end user through Dec. 1; after that date the company would charge $350 for a later connection to cover the construction work from edge-of-road to inside the home. For new subdivisions where SilverStar can use an open trench during initial construction, the company intends to provide connections at no charge to builders.
Council members asked about consumer speed testing (Wi-Fi vs. wired), outreach to developers and incentives to encourage sign-ups; SilverStar said the company plans regional marketing and will work with builders and BYU–Idaho on event outreach. SilverStar also invited council and staff to an Aug. 12 open-access celebration to highlight the rollout.
Ending: The briefing leaves open follow-up coordination between SilverStar, city public-works staff and developers; free drops through Dec. 1 provide a near-term window for residents to sign up without a construction fee.
