The Intermax Selle Valley Fiber Project: A Major Step Forward in Rural Connectivity
Last fall we announced plans to expand fiber Internet to areas traditionally overlooked by the big national providers. The latest Intermax fiber expansion project is in the Selle Valley, just north of Sandpoint, and represents an exciting progress milestone providing reliable, high-speed internet. We sat down with Intermax VP and Chief Technology Officer Pat Whelan and his Fiber Project Coordinator to get the inside scoop on what it means for that community.
Project Overview & Background
Why Selle Valley?
The Selle Valley fiber expansion is part of a grant Intermax won to bring fiber to underserved communities. This grant has a three-year timeline, and Selle Valley was chosen because it naturally aligns with our existing service areas, including Athol, Hauser Lake, Rathdrum, and Spirit Lake. Additionally, several of our team members live in the area, making it a priority to enhance connectivity for our friends, neighbors, and local businesses. Those are the kinds of decisions we love making as a company!
Unlike previous projects, this installation presents unique challenges due to the unique geological and environmental constraints in the region. Before construction begins, we must complete a series of environmental surveys and secure the necessary permits. Our goal is to start construction in 2026, ultimately bringing fiber internet to over 3,000 homes.
Current Phase: Engineering & Surveying
Right now, the project is in the engineering and surveying phase, which involves environmental assessments, wetland surveys, and planning for optimal installation methods. With more than 400 wetlands in the area, we have two main options:
- Bore underneath wetlands – Similar to our previous project at McGuire Rd, where we successfully ran fiber cables under BNSF Railroad tracks.
- Utilize telephone poles – This approach minimizes environmental impact while ensuring a stable and efficient network.
We are also in the process of installing two new critical infrastructure points with the goal of placing them in April or May 2025. Investing in placing these new fiber cabinets in this area ensures seamless connectivity for residents.
Benefits for the Community
Today, residents and organizations who want broadband internet are stuck with legacy copper technologies, feeble re-purposed television satellite networks, or unpredictable modern satellite systems. The biggest advantage of this project is simple: blazing-fast gig-speed fiber internet at the home. Selle Valley will finally have access to more robust and reliable internet options, a game-changer for homeowners and businesses alike. And thanks to our local roots and support teams, the customer experience – from installation surveys through networking support – is typically far superior to faraway and indifferent major corporations. And thanks to the broad Intermax portfolio of networking, communications, and managed services, residents can upgrade traditional copper home phones or businesses can outsource and modernize their security posture.
For those eager to improve their internet speeds before fiber is fully installed, Intermax offers high-speed fixed wireless options in this are as a bridge solution. Our customer service team is always available to help customers make the switch when fiber is ready.
Timeline & Next Steps
Key Milestones:
- Ongoing: environmental surveys and global permitting processes
- Summer 2025: two new fiber cabinet placements
- Summer and fall 2025: constructions along Highway 200 where wetlands are not an obstacle
- 2026: construction along private roads and on public telephone poles and right-of-way begins!
How to Stay Informed:
We’re committed to keeping residents updated on our progress. Here’s how you can stay in the loop:
- Mailers & Doorhangers – Keep an eye on your mailbox for important updates.
- Newsletter Subscription – Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every month.
- Blog Updates – Follow the Intermax Insights blog for project milestones, announcements, and more.
Preparing for Fiber Installation
If you’re a homeowner in Selle Valley, here are a few steps you can take now to ensure a smooth transition:
- Join Our Waiting List – Contact our sales team to express your interest and receive priority updates.
- Plan for Landscaping & Driveway Projects – If you’re planning any major outdoor renovations, let us know so we can coordinate fiber installation in advance and minimize disruptions.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Selle Valley Up to Speed
For over 20 years, Intermax has been bringing internet to places where it simply wasn’t available before. That’s what excites us most about this project, it’s another step in our mission to support our North Idaho communities with cutting-edge technology.
We’re not just a technology provider; we’re your neighbors. With our experience serving places like Sandpoint and Schweitzer Mountain with both fiber and fixed wireless internet service, we know how to handle North Idaho’s unique terrain and challenges.
Selle Valley, we can’t wait to bring you the future of internet. Stay connected with us and let’s build a faster, better-connected community together!
Find Connection with Intermax Networks
Locally owned and operated since 2001, we’re proud to offer high-speed wireless internet, fiber, voice services, and more to thousands of residential and commercial customers.
Headquartered in Coeur d’Alene with offices in Spokane, Seattle, Sandpoint, and St. Maries, Intermax is the local’s choice for reliable service in hard-to-reach places.
Our friendly support team is here to answer any questions you may have. Visit Intermax Networks, or call us at (208) 568-7979 today!
