Vision Net Celebrates the Launch of the Discovery Network in Bozeman

Building the Infrastructure for Montana’s AI-Ready Future

Vision Net recently celebrated an exciting milestone in Bozeman with the official launch of the Discovery Network — Montana’s AI Ready Network.

The event brought people together to recognize more than the launch of new network infrastructure. It was an opportunity to celebrate continued investment in Montana and look ahead at how advanced connectivity can help support artificial intelligence, innovation, economic growth, and the evolving technology needs of businesses and communities across the state.

 

Thank You to Our Special Guests

Vision Net was honored to welcome several distinguished guests who joined us in Bozeman to celebrate this important milestone, including Governor Greg Gianforte; Marta Bertoglio, Director with the Montana Department of Commerce; K. Mita from Senator Tim Sheehy’s Office; and Jayne Morrow from Q-Core. We sincerely appreciate their time, support, and participation in this important event. We also want to thank everyone who attended and helped make the Discovery Network launch a success. Having so many people come together to recognize the importance of technology and infrastructure in Montana made the celebration even more meaningful.

 

Montana’s AI Ready Network

As artificial intelligence and other data-intensive technologies continue to advance, the infrastructure supporting them must advance as well. The Discovery Network is designed to provide the speed, capacity, reliability, and scalability needed to support the next generation of technology. With 800G-capable network infrastructure, Vision Net is helping create a stronger foundation for AI applications, cloud connectivity, advanced research, cybersecurity, data-intensive workloads, and future innovation throughout Montana. This investment is about preparing for what comes next while continuing to provide the reliable connectivity Montana organizations depend on today.

 

Investing in Montana’s Future

For Vision Net, the Discovery Network represents another step in our continued commitment to strengthening Montana’s technology infrastructure. As technology evolves, businesses and communities need networks capable of evolving with them. By investing in advanced infrastructure today, we are helping create opportunities for Montana organizations to innovate, grow, and compete in an increasingly connected world. From Bozeman and across the state, Vision Net is proud to continue building the infrastructure that helps keep Montana connected and ready for what’s next.

 

Thank you again to everyone who joined us in Bozeman and to everyone who played a role in bringing the Discovery Network to life. We’re excited about what this milestone means for Vision Net, our state, and the future of technology in Montana.

 

The Discovery Network is here. Montana is ready for what’s next.

Vision Net Launches Montana’s AI-Ready Network

 

GREAT FALLS, Mont., August 27th, 2026 — Vision Net today announced the launch of the Discovery Network. Considered the first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ready Network (aireadynetwork.com) the Discovery Network positions Montana at the forefront of a new era of AI-enabled innovation and scientific discovery. The Discovery Network is a core component of Vision Net’s distributed edge AI networking architecture and represents a fully funded private investment by Vision Net, its shareholder companies, and partners of $42 million dollars.

Built on the advanced optical networking technology from Ciena's 6500 platform powered by WaveLogic technology, the Discovery Network provides an 800 gigabits per second (Gbps) capable foundation designed to support the next generation of artificial intelligence, advanced research, and data-intensive applications. Where other network providers are moving to 400 Gbps capabilities, Vision Net sets the nationwide benchmark for AI delivery with the Discovery Network and a path to 1.6 terabits per second (Tbps) network performance.

The Discovery Network is a 163-mile high-capacity digital corridor connecting Montana's largest population center in Billings, to its leading innovation and technology hub of Bozeman. Designed specifically to support AI transport workloads, the network delivers the bandwidth and performance required to move large AI datasets, and handle millisecond AI inference.

"The future of artificial intelligence will not be built solely in hyperscale data centers," said Rob Worden, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vision Net. "It will be enabled by intelligent, highcapacity state-wide networks that move research, enterprise and wireless carrier AI workloads between edge data centers and closer to where people live, work, learn, and innovate.”

The Discovery Network represents a major step forward in creating Montana's AI infrastructure for tomorrows AI economy. The Discovery Network is so named as it supports AI-based discovery from a wide range of use cases, including:

In January 2025, Vision Net announced the first 800 Gbps data center network in the Mountain West region. Today’s announcement builds on that earlier effort to extend AI infrastructure deeper into Montana. By combining 800 Gbps transport capabilities with Montana's growing ecosystem of research institutions, entrepreneurs, and businesses, Vision Net is building an AI-focused network and edge computing ecosystem to bring the promise of AI to all of Montana.

The Discovery Network was built in partnership with Montana’s incumbent telephone cooperatives and Vision Net shareholders, including: 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Range Telephone Cooperative, Interbel Telephone Cooperative, Lincoln Telephone Company, Nemont Communications, Northern Telephone Cooperative, Southern Montana Telephone Company, and Triangle Communications.

About Vision Net

Vision Net is Montana’s state-wide fiber optic network, premier data center, and communications technology company. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Great Falls, Montana, Vision Net is leading the communications technology industry through Infinite Innovation supporting its customers, employees, shareholders and communities with next-generation digital infrastructure and services.

Media Contact:

Roy Alexander

Vision Net

(406) 216-4500

roy.alexander@vision.net

 

Celebrating Visionary Leadership: Tim Reese Earns Visionary Award Nomination

At Vision Net, innovation is driven by people who are committed to making a meaningful impact. That's exactly what the Visionary Award celebrates.

The Visionary Award recognizes employees who demonstrate measurable benefits to Vision Net, its customers, shareholders, and communities through values-based innovation. Tim Reese's recent nomination is a testament to that commitment.

A Visionary Award Nominee

Tim Reese, a member of Vision Net's Network Operations Center (NOC), has been nominated for the FY26 Q3 Visionary Award in recognition of his leadership, dedication, and innovation. His nomination highlights the corporate values of Bold and Obsessive, reflecting his unwavering commitment to improving Vision Net's operations and customer experience.

Leading a Transformational Initiative

For more than 18 months, Tim has spearheaded the implementation of the ServiceNow Technology Service Management (TSM) platform within the Network Operations Center. This strategic initiative replaces Vision Net's legacy Kadence ticketing platform with a modern solution designed to support the company's long-term technology strategy and future AI-powered services.

Through Tim's leadership, the ServiceNow implementation has reached a successful launch state, laying the foundation for a more connected, efficient, and scalable service management platform.

Improving Operations and the Customer Experience

The new ServiceNow platform delivers significant improvements for both employees and customers, including:

These improvements will streamline internal operations while providing customers with greater transparency and a more responsive support experience.

Building for the Future

As Vision Net continues to evolve, the ServiceNow platform will introduce powerful new capabilities, including:

Congratulations, Tim!

Tim's Visionary Award nomination reflects more than a successful technology implementation—it recognizes the leadership, persistence, and innovative thinking that continue to move Vision Net forward.

By embracing change, solving complex challenges, and helping build the next generation of service operations, Tim exemplifies what it means to be a Visionary at Vision Net.

Congratulations, Tim Reese, on your well-deserved Visionary Award nomination, and thank you for your outstanding contributions to Vision Net's future.

 

Vision Net Welcomes Jacob Goddard to the NOC Team

We are excited to welcome him to the team as a NOC Technician Level 2 and look forward to the impact he'll make as he continues to grow in his role.  From troubleshooting network issues to creating music in his spare time, Jacob Goddard brings a unique combination of technical skill, creativity, and determination to Vision Net.

Born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, Jacob's journey has been shaped by a commitment to personal growth and a belief that challenges can become opportunities. Having also spent time living in Florida, he has gained experiences that have influenced both his outlook and approach to life. At the core of that approach is a personal mantra focused on resilience and continuous progress.

 

When looking for his next career opportunity, Vision Net stood out for all the right reasons. Jacob was drawn to the company's strong organization, supportive culture, and the opportunity to work in an environment that encourages ambition and autonomy. He saw Vision Net as a place where employees are empowered to learn, contribute, and take ownership of their success.

 

As a NOC Technician Level 2, Jacob's responsibilities include troubleshooting network issues, maintaining documentation, and continually expanding his technical knowledge. One of the things he enjoys most about the role is that no two days are exactly alike. Each day presents new opportunities to learn, solve problems, and contribute to the reliability and success of the networks that Vision Net supports.

 

What excites Jacob most about joining Vision Net isn't just the work itself. He's looking forward to learning from those around him and seeing firsthand how teammates across the organization contribute to the company's success. He values collaboration and believes that everyone has something valuable to offer. His goal is simple: add value where it matters most and continue developing his skills along the way.

 

Outside of work, Jacob has a creative side that many people may not expect. Much of his free time is dedicated to making music, and he's proud to share that he enjoys both rapping and singing. While technology keeps him busy during the day, music provides another outlet for expression, creativity, and personal growth.

 

Jacob is also someone who appreciates the opportunities Montana offers. His favorite thing about living here is the room for growth, both personally and professionally. He believes improvement can become a way of life when you're surrounded by opportunity and motivated to keep moving forward.

 

Quick Facts About Jacob

  • Hometown: Great Falls, Montana.
  • Role: NOC Technician Level 2.
  • Favorite thing about Montana: The opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
  • Hidden talent: Rapping and singing.
  • Go-to work drink: Smoothie.
  • Dream skill to master instantly: Basketball.
  • Bucket list destination: Bayon Temple in Cambodia.
  • Movie recommendation: The Giver.
  • One word that describes him: "Real."

 

As he begins this new chapter with Vision Net, Jacob is eager to learn, grow, and contribute alongside his teammates. His positive attitude, commitment to improvement, and willingness to embrace new challenges make him a great addition to the organization.

 

Please join us in giving Jacob a warm Vision Net welcome. We're excited to have him on the team and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in the years ahead.

Welcome to Vision Net: Meet Our New Network Technician, Cory Derke

We're excited to welcome Cory Derke to Vision Net as our newest Network Technician. Bringing more than 20 years of telecommunications experience, Cory has built his career from the ground up, starting on a tower crew in 2000 and advancing through the industry by continually expanding his technical knowledge and hands-on expertise.

 

Cory was drawn to Vision Net because of the company's forward-thinking approach and the genuine sense of acceptance he experienced throughout the interview process. Those first impressions reinforced his belief that Vision Net is a place where people are valued and where innovation continues to drive success.

 

In his role as Network Technician, Cory helps monitor and maintain network performance, ensuring customers receive reliable connectivity and service. While the day-to-day responsibilities keep him focused on network operations, what excites him most is the opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of the new technologies and projects that lie ahead.

 

Originally from Frazee, Minnesota, Cory appreciates Montana's lifestyle and enjoys not having to deal with the fast-paced "rat race" often found in larger areas. Outside of work, he's happiest exploring the outdoors, whether that's dirt biking, snowmobiling, spending time in nature, or working on vehicles when he gets the chance.

 

Cory describes himself as focused, a quality that has served him well throughout his career and personal life. He also has a remarkable story that many people may not know: he was recognized by the City of Great Falls for helping save a man from a house fire. Additionally, Cory proudly served in the United States Army, an experience that further shaped his commitment to service, responsibility, and teamwork.

 

Fun Facts About Cory

  • If he could instantly become an expert in anything, it would be living off the land.
  • His go-to work beverage is simple: ice-cold water.
  • If he could have any superpower, he would choose chrono-kinesis, giving him the ability to travel through time, learn directly from history, and help people make better decisions for the future.
  • One of the most unusual jobs he's ever had was inseminating turkeys.
  • His bucket-list interests and love of the outdoors align with his passion for exploring nature and self-sufficiency.
  • His life soundtrack?"Low Down Freedom" by Waylon Jennings.

 

With his extensive industry experience, dedication to learning, and passion for adventure, Cory is a valuable addition to the Vision Net team. We're excited to have him on board and look forward to the knowledge, perspective, and energy he'll bring to our organization.

 

Please join us in welcoming Cory to Vision Net!

Celebrating Sean Waters, Vision Net’s Q2 2026 Visionary Award Recipient

At Vision Net, we believe innovation and operational excellence are driven by people who consistently go above and beyond to improve how we serve ur teams, customers, and communities. That's why we are proud to recognize Sean Waters as our Q2 2026 Visionary Award Recipient.

The Visionary Award honors employees who demonstrate Vision Net’s core values of Bold, Frugal, Obsessive, and Resilient/Sustainable through meaningful contributions that create measurable impact across the organization. Sean’s work over the past several months has done exactly that. 

Since joining Vision Net, Sean has led significant improvements across purchasing and inventory operations by simplifying processes, improving visibility, and eliminating inefficiencies. His ability to identify operational challenges and implement long-term solutions has positively impacted teams throughout the company. 

One of Sean’s biggest accomplishments has been transforming Vision Net’s purchasing workflow. By establishing standardized processes and staying closely engaged with purchase flow management, he helped reduce purchase order cycle times from multiple days to less than a day. He also created and published Purchasing Standard Operating Procedures to support consistency and efficiency across the organization. 

In addition, Sean played a key role in streamlining vendor management by reducing active suppliers from more than 1,200 vendors to just 382. This improvement not only simplified purchasing operations but also reduced the administrative burden associated with maintaining supplier documentation and records. 

Sean also took on the challenge of improving inventory organization and visibility across Vision Net’s warehouse locations. He established live inventory tracking across five warehouse facilities, consolidated inventory spaces, implemented proper racking systems, and developed real-time inventory valuation reporting to support operational and accounting processes. 

His work extended beyond operational efficiency and into sustainability efforts as well. Through organized recycling initiatives and obsolete inventory cleanup projects, Sean helped remove significant amounts of unused equipment and waste from Vision Net facilities.

Sean’s dedication to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and sustainable practices reflects the very best of Vision Net’s culture and values. His contributions continue to make a lasting impact across the organization, and we are grateful for the leadership, initiative, and hard work he brings to the team every day. 

Congratulations again to Sean Waters on being named Vision Net's Q2 2026 Visionary Award recipient. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work across Vision Net.

Vision Net Highlights Edge Data Center Strategy at Great Falls Community Meeting

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Vision Net recently participated in the Great Falls Development Alliance Data Center Task Force community meeting, where President and CEO Rob Worden shared insight into the evolving role of data centers, AI infrastructure, and regional connectivity across Montana. The meeting brought together local stakeholders for an open discussion on the opportunities and considerations surrounding future data center development in the region.

During the presentation, Vision Net outlined its approach to edge data centers and how distributed infrastructure can help reduce latency, support AI-driven applications, and bring technology resources closer to the users and communities they serve. Unlike large hyperscale facilities, Vision Net’s model focuses on smaller, regionally distributed facilities connected by high-capacity fiber infrastructure to support more localized and efficient service delivery.

Vision Net also shared background on its Montana footprint, including its statewide fiber network, long-standing data center operations, and continued investment in infrastructure that supports business, public sector, and carrier connectivity. The discussion emphasized that as AI and data processing demands continue to grow, strong regional networks and strategically placed edge facilities will play an increasingly important role in supporting future technology needs.

A major focus of the meeting was community engagement and transparency. Topics discussed included power requirements, water usage, environmental considerations, economic impact, and the importance of aligning future projects with community expectations. Vision Net reinforced its commitment to responsible growth, operational transparency, and infrastructure strategies designed to serve Montana while respecting the needs of local communities.

“Conversations like these are important because they help communities better understand the realities of data center development and the role technology infrastructure will play in the future,” said Rob Worden, President and CEO of Vision Net. “At Vision Net, we believe Montana has an opportunity to be part of that future in a way that is thoughtful, practical, and aligned with regional needs.”

The Great Falls Development Alliance Data Center Task Force will continue its community discussions in the months ahead, focusing on issues such as water, power, noise, and environmental stewardship. Vision Net appreciates the opportunity to be part of that dialogue and to help support an informed conversation around the future of data centers in Montana.

About Vision Net
Vision Net is a Montana-based technology company delivering advanced connectivity, data center, and managed technology solutions. With a statewide fiber network, data center operations, and service reach extending across Montana and beyond, Vision Net helps organizations securely connect, store, process, and manage the information critical to their success.

Vision Net Featured by KRTV for Edge Data Center Strategy Supporting AI Performance in Montana

Great Falls, Mont. — Vision Net was recently featured by KRTV for its innovative approach to edge data centers and the role that distributed infrastructure can play in reducing grid impacts while improving AI latency across Montana.

Headquartered in Great Falls, Vision Net is a statewide fiber optic network provider with more than 20 years of experience in the data center business. In the KRTV feature, Vision Net’s edge data center strategy was highlighted as a practical and forward-thinking model for supporting the growing demands of artificial intelligence and other high-performance technologies.

Unlike large hyperscale facilities, Vision Net’s edge data center model focuses on placing infrastructure closer to the users and communities it serves. This proximity helps reduce latency and improve performance for AI-driven applications, especially those involving real-time image, video, and data processing.

Vision Net’s edge strategy is supported by its 800-gigabit network, which further strengthens the company’s ability to deliver faster, more responsive digital infrastructure. By combining distributed data center resources with advanced network capacity, Vision Net is helping create a stronger technology foundation for businesses, public sector organizations, and communities across the region.

The KRTV feature also emphasized how distributed edge infrastructure can support future growth in a more practical way. Rather than relying solely on large-scale hyperscale facilities that often require significant power loads and infrastructure investment, Vision Net’s model allows technology capabilities to expand incrementally while supporting long-term sustainability and performance.

As Montana communities continue to explore the future of data center development, Vision Net remains focused on delivering solutions that balance innovation, scalability, and responsible infrastructure planning. Through continued investment in edge infrastructure, statewide connectivity, and modern network capacity, Vision Net is helping shape what the next generation of technology can look like in Montana.

At Vision Net, that future is already taking shape through investments in edge infrastructure, statewide connectivity, and next-generation network capacity designed to support Montana’s evolving technology needs.

Want to read more?
Visit the full KRTV story at the link below:
https://www.krtv.com/news/great-falls-news/great-falls-based-vision-net-utilizes-edge-data-centers-to-reduce-grid-impacts-and-improve-ai-latency

About Vision Net
Vision Net is a Montana-based technology and telecommunications provider delivering statewide fiber connectivity, internet, managed services, and data center solutions. Headquartered in Great Falls, Vision Net supports businesses, carriers, education, government, and community organizations with reliable, secure, and forward-looking technology solutions.

Get to Know Our Team: Amanda Walters, Senior Staff Accountant

Amanda Walters earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Montana State University in 2015. Following graduation, she moved to Seattle, where she spent several years working at Boeing in their Shared Services Group, focusing primarily on fixed asset accounting.

After deciding to return to Montana, Amanda continued her education at MSU, working toward a Master of Professional Accountancy. She later relocated to Billings and spent a year at Eide Bailly as a tax associate before realizing her long-term interests lay outside of tax. Around that same time, she and her husband were expecting their first child, and she chose to step away from her career to focus on family.

Amanda reentered the workforce at the Cenex refinery in Laurel, MT, where she spent nearly five years as a Senior Refinery Accountant at CHS. When the opportunity to join Vision Net arose, it felt like a natural next step in her career.

Why Vision Net
Originally from Lewistown, Montana, Amanda values being part of a Montana-based company that supports rural communities. Throughout the interview process, she recognized Vision Net’s strong culture and commitment to its employees. After working in larger corporate environments, the opportunity to be part of a more connected and supportive organization stood out.

Role at Vision Net
As a Senior Staff Accountant, Amanda supports a wide range of accounting functions. Her responsibilities include managing financial transactions, assisting with treasury-related activities, supporting accounts payable and receivable processes, and maintaining prepaid expenses and deferred revenue accounts. She also reconciles general ledger accounts and will be contributing to monthly close processes, accounting research, and larger initiatives such as property tax projects.

Looking Ahead
Amanda is especially excited about gaining full visibility into the entire accounting cycle. Having previously worked in more specialized roles, she looks forward to connecting all aspects of the process and continuing to grow within her position.

Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband love camping, relaxing at their cabin, and going on family bike rides. With a five-year-old learning to ride without training wheels and a nine-month-old soon to join in, their adventures are just getting started. Living close to extended family in Billings also allows their children to spend meaningful time with cousins and grandparents.

Why Montana
For Amanda, Montana means family. With relatives in Billings and her parents still living in her childhood home in Lewistown, being close to loved ones is one of the things she values most about living in the state.

Fun Fact
If she could have any superpower, Amanda would choose teleportation—making it much easier to get her family (and all their gear) to the campground.

Fun Facts About Amanda

 

Please join us in welcoming Amanda to the Vision Net family!

New Employee Spotlight: Get to Know Morgan Smith

Please join us in welcoming Morgan Smith to the Vision Net team! Morgan brings a strong mix of sales, leadership, and operations experience—and a people-first mindset that fits right in with our mission and culture.

Morgan has about 15 years of experience in sales, leadership, and operations. Their career has ranged from luxury retail to B2B sales and consulting, with a consistent focus on building relationships, solving problems, and helping teams grow.

Why Vision Net?

For Morgan, it was all about the people and the mission. Vision Net’s commitment to community, partnership, and meaningful work really stood out.

What Morgan’s role involves

Morgan will be working closely with customers and internal teams to build strong relationships, support growth, and help keep things running smoothly—while also helping drive new business.

What they’re most excited about

Morgan is looking forward to getting to know the team, learning the business, and contributing in a meaningful way.

Quick Q&A

Welcome, Morgan! We’re excited to have you on board, Morgan—welcome to Vision Net!