Maintenance technician on an Intermax Networks tower overlooking Northern Idaho.

Understanding Planned Downtime and What It Means for You  

As a local internet service provider, Intermax Networks is committed to delivering fast, reliable internet to all our customers. Regular network maintenance is a must to keep everything running smoothly. Sometimes, this means we need to schedule short breaks in service, which we call “planned downtime.” While it may seem like a hassle, this downtime is crucial for keeping your connection fast, secure, and dependable.  

What Is Planned Downtime?  

Planned downtime happens when we schedule a brief pause in service to perform necessary updates or maintenance. Think of it like tuning up your car to make sure it runs at its best. The same idea applies to our network. We perform these updates to ensure our network stays in top condition and minimize any surprise disruptions to your internet service.  

Here are the main reasons we schedule planned downtime: 

1. Upgrading Network Software  

Just like your devices, our radios, switches, and routers require software and firmware updates from time to time. These updates boost performance, strengthen security, fix bugs, or add new features. Most of the time, we can do this invisibly, but occasionally, particularly for fixed wireless equipment located on distant mountaintops, it’s most effective to reboot the device remotely and cause a short interruption. We usually do this in the wee hours, and if it’s meaningful, we email you ahead of time so you can plan around it.  

2. Replacing Equipment in Advance 

Stuff wears out. In our case, when it happens on a mountain, somewhere along a cable in a valley, or in a vault under a street corner somewhere, it takes time to diagnose and repair. We try to stay ahead of this by replacing things before they can cause bigger problems. Planned downtime allows us to swap out single-point-of-failure components so you can continue to enjoy a smooth, reliable connection without unexpected outages. 

3. Upgrading or Replacing Obsolete Devices  

As technology advances, network devices become outdated and need to be upgraded or replaced. These proactive improvements not only prevent potential issues but also often result in faster speeds, enhanced reliability, and a more robust network that’s ready for future demands. It’s like buying a car and replacing all of the parts over time while you use it. 

Why Planned Downtime Is a Good Thing 

The Intermax Networks team constantly works behind the scenes to keep you connected. Planned downtime is about making your service even better. We do our best to prevent inconvenience while managing these tradeoffs to avoid much larger outages that could impact more customers for longer times. From software updates to replacing outdated equipment, these maintenance windows ensure your internet is faster, more reliable, and future-proof. 

Intermax Networks local customer service agent.

Your Experience Is Our Priority  

We get it—any interruption in your service can be frustrating. That’s why we work hard to make sure planned downtime is as brief and rare as possible. You’ll receive advanced notice, via text or email, of a planned outage so you know exactly when to expect it. Our local support team is always here to help. We can answer your questions before, during, and after maintenance.  

We’re Here for You  

When you contact us, you’re not talking to a faceless call center—we’re local and part of your community. You’ll speak with real people who are committed to making sure your internet experience is the best it can be. Whether you need troubleshooting assistance or just want clarity on scheduled maintenance, we’re here for you. 

Need Assistance? 

If you experience any service issues or have questions about planned downtime, please contact our support team at 208-618-6677 or email us at support@intermaxteam.com

Want to check on outages and recent upgrades in your area? Visit our network status page to stay updated.