Local Burns Internet service provider, MiWave, announced Aug. 5 that it will start construction of a fiber-to-the-home network in Burns and Hines this year. MiWave has been providing high-speed wireless Internet to many residents and businesses in Harney County for the last three years, growing rapidly through new customer growth and the acquisition of the wireless network from the Harney Education Service District in 2018. The rapid growth has enabled the business to expand and create jobs in Harney County, and the company is ready to continue expanding its service offering by bringing fiber to residents in the area.

Harney County has long been desiring additional broadband providers in the area. However, the reluctance of large providers to come into the market has created a challenge in serving the community. In addition, the capital cost to build out a network put this out of reach for local businesses.

MiWave began working with the state of Oregon to secure infrastructure funding sources to aid in construction of the network in early 2019, but quickly found problems in securing the funding as a private entity, as the infrastructure funds are earmarked for public projects. The late state of Oregon Regional Development Officer Scott Fairley, responsible for the Southeast portion of the state, brought forward a proposal to partner with Harney County for the project, and introduced the proposal to Harney County Judge Pete Runnels.

Excited at the opportunity to bring additional fiber broadband to Harney County, Judge Runnels approached the county commissioners about the public-private partnership opportunity for consideration and led the way to the finalization of the partnership.

“Harney County is thrilled to be part of this public-private partnership. It is the right fit for our community, as we have researched and looked at various high-speed options. I am sure we will be pleased with MiWave’s expansion and offerings, as it begins to roll out into our communities.” Runnels said.

MiWave plans to expand its operations significantly and continue creating jobs in the area, supporting local industry and infrastructure, as well as the local schools and government agencies.

“We’re really excited about this partnership. We have been working so hard to bring Harney County residents great Internet service, and this will be a big leap forward,” MiWave owner Jeff Graham said.

The fiber network is planned to start construction later this year, and start offering service to some Burns residents in 2021, eventually serving residents within the Burns and Hines city limits. Service offerings will be at 100Mbps and 1Gbps for all customers in the network area, with no data limits for customers.