The acquisition bolsters Vision Net’s data center offerings and expertise
Vision Net has acquired iConnect Montana. The move positions Vision Net to meet increased customer demand in the rapidly-evolving telecommunications industry—notably the increasing demand for edge computing. The company now will offer its clients data center services in addition to its already-robust suite of technology solutions.
(May 2, 2022) Billings, Mont. — Vision Net, Inc., a Montana-based telecommunications solution provider, today announced the acquisition of iConnect Montana. iConnect Montana provides network connectivity and data center services to customers across the Big Sky state. Both firms will now operate under the Vision Net name and brand. Existing iConnect customers can expect the same level of excellence they’ve long enjoyed and with no disruption to their service.
Of the acquisition, Vision Net CEO Corey Jensen said that the two businesses, which enjoy a working relationship, have long been committed to delivering solutions that ensure Montana can compete regionally and nationally for businesses requiring these services to operate.
“The iConnect acquisition bolsters Vision Net’s suite of services, enabling us to deliver a more comprehensive, end-to-end customer experience,” he said. “Increasingly, firms seek data center solutions to reduce cost and latency and bolster security. Bringing iConnect’s data center services and its team of experts under the Vision Net banner positions us to fully address this growing need.”
iConnect Chairman and CEO Craig Gates agrees, noting that the demand for edge computing—running fewer processes in the cloud and bringing them and data storage closer to the customer—will drive growth in the data center space. “Bringing the two companies together at this time is a perfect mix of services. VisionNet has built a great reputation serving the customers of Montana through its network that reaches across the state. iConnect has been the premier data center in Montana and this allows both companies to join as a platform for all the next-gen applications that demand low latency and faster processing speeds to be delivered by edge computing,” he said. “The acquisition is a highly strategic move that fortifies the position of both companies as industry leaders in the region.”
iConnect Montana was founded in 1999 by three Montana telephone cooperatives to provide neutral network connectivity and data center services for telecommunications, e-commerce, and Internet-based businesses. Data centers—also known as fiber hotels—allow businesses to enjoy the benefits of a carrier-grade central office-type facility without bearing the upfront costs of building and maintaining the associated infrastructure. iConnect Montana operates facilities in Billings, Helena and Missoula.
Incorporated in 1995 by five Montana telephone cooperatives, Vision Net has a 27-year history of serving the needs of the Montana business community. Its telecommunications solutions include broadband network wholesale, internet services, design, and management of customized wide-area network (WAN) solutions, including SD-WAN, end-point, and network security products. Its connectivity expertise can be found across healthcare, education, banking and finance, engineering, and government.
The move is the latest in a string of strategic endeavors undertaken by Vision Net to remain at the forefront of the telecom industry and ensure area businesses have access to the most innovative solutions available. For example, in recent years, it funded critical broadband fiber infrastructure in Helena and Billings. Likewise, it has focused heavily on its corporate culture, building a Montana-friendly workplace that inspires creativity, passion, and accountability. Jensen noted that iConnect Montana boasts this same Big Sky sensibility, an attribute his team found appealing.
“Vision Net’s culture is central to who we are so it was critical that we share core values with iConnect Montana,” he said. “I have no doubt that this will make for a more seamless transition as we welcome the iConnect Montana team to our company.”
Vision Net remains headquartered in Great Falls with offices in Billings, Missoula, and Helena.
About Vision Net
For over 25 years, Vision Net has provided a full suite of B2B telecommunications solutions to financial services, healthcare, government, professional and educational clients, allowing them to innovate and expand in Montana and beyond. With offices in Great Falls, Billings, Missoula, and Helena, Vision Nets gives its clients the peace of mind to concentrate on their business by providing a secure, agile, and adaptable network built for their needs and budget. Vision Net is proud to be Montana’s largest independent network and proud to call Montana home.
