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Nonprofit Fiber Aims to Slash Internet Costs in Lewiston
14 Jun
Summary
- Confluence Fiber offers $50/month internet with speeds up to 500 Mbps.
- The project is funded by loans and tax-exempt bonds, not public funds.
- Pivot-Tech manages operations and hires local staff for network maintenance.
A new telecommunications nonprofit, Confluence Fiber Community Nonprofit, is poised to significantly lower internet costs in Lewiston. Partnering with Denver-based Pivot-Tech, the initiative will upgrade existing infrastructure and manage daily operations.
Beginning in August, Confluence Fiber will offer residential plans at $50 per month, providing download speeds of up to 500 Mbps and upload speeds of 100 Mbps. These plans include free installation and routers, with a rate guarantee for as long as customers reside at their address.
The project's infrastructure upgrades are financed through a loan from Idaho Central Credit Union and approximately $30 million in tax-exempt bonds. These bonds will be repaid by Confluence Fiber's revenue, with projections indicating annual revenue between $3.9 million and $7.8 million if 5,000 to 10,000 of Lewiston's 16,000 potential customers subscribe.
Pivot-Tech is responsible for the project's financing structure, assembling partners, and overseeing day-to-day management, including bill payments and inventory. The company is also hiring locally for network maintenance, service desk staffing, and customer connections.
Community benefits highlighted include local ownership and decision-making, with revenue retained locally. The Port of Lewiston will initially receive $94,000 annually, with this amount expected to increase as customer numbers grow. The port will eventually own the upgraded infrastructure after the bonds are repaid. Pivot-Tech, founded in 2023, is also undertaking similar projects in other communities and anticipates a significant service territory.
