Cassie Holmes – UTOPIA Fiber

UTOPIA Fiber Monthly Update June 2025

Cassie Holmes — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:05:19 +0000

Summer is heating up—and so is the news from UTOPIA Fiber! From exciting job openings to a major project milestone completed nearly a year ahead of schedule, there’s a lot to celebrate. Whether you’re looking to join our mission of delivering ultra-fast fiber internet across Utah, want the inside scoop on top streaming services, or are curious about how we’re making headlines across the industry, this month’s update has something for everyone. Let’s dive in!

Annoucements
We are hiring! If you’ve ever wanted to join us in bringing fast fiber internet to communities, now is the time! We have a few new positions that are now accepting applications:/

- Community Relations Coordinator
- Field Service Tech 1-2 (North Utah Area)

To learn more about these positions or apply for the job check out our Careers page

Blog Posts

Streaming Without Limits: The Ultimate Fiber Internet Binge Guide
The rise of high-speed internet launched us into a new territory where streaming is more prominent than ever before. Platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ have become an integral part of the homes and hearts of their consumers. These streaming platforms enable you to watch your favorite comfort shows and movies with just the click of a button! Join as we go through some of the most popular options to help you get the most out of your streaming experience!

UTOPIA Fiber and Bountiful City, Utah Announce Completion of Citywide Open Access Fiber Network Nearly One Year Ahead of Schedule
At Fiber Connect 2025 today, UTOPIA Fiber and Bountiful City, Utah announced the completion of the Bountiful Fiber (Powered by UTOPIA) citywide open access network build, which was delivered nearly one year ahead of schedule. The announcement was made during a press conference at 4:00 PM CT and highlights one of the most successful and quickest municipal broadband deployments in the country. Check out the full press release for all the details!

UTOPIA Fiber in the News

Check out who’s talking about us in the news:

Open Access Fiber Network Success in Utah

UTOPIA Completes Fiber Build in Bountiful, Utah

Promises and Pitfalls of Public-Private Partnerships: Fiber Connect 2025 Panel

Tuesday Roundup: WhiteFiber, Applied Digital, Utopia Fiber

UTOPIA Fiber and Bountiful City, Utah announce completion of citywide open access fiber network nearly one year ahead of schedule

UTOPIA Fiber completes citywide Bountiful City project in Utah

Utopia Fiber finishes Bountiful build despite dark money campaign

Utopia Fiber completes open access network for Bountiful, Utah

UTOPIA Completes Fiber Build in Bountiful, Utah

Utopia Fiber finishes Bountiful build despite dark money campaign

UTOPIA Fiber and Bountiful City, UT Complete Fiber Network Ahead of Schedule

Bountiful Fiber completed ahead of schedule

Building Broadband: Comcast expands Citrus County, Fla., Network reach; Fidium arrives in Waldoboro and Whitefield, Maine

UTOPIA Fiber Completes Bountiful City, Utah Fiber Network Ahead of Schedule

Local Fiber Investment Leads to Top Honors: Speed Report

That’s all for this month’s update! If you liked today’s update and want to stay in the know about all things UTOPIA Fiber in real time make sure to follow us on social media! We are constantly posting updates and exciting news on our Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram. We also love hearing from you guys! If you ever have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at communications@utopiafiber.com.

UTOPIA Fiber and Bountiful City, Utah Announce Completion of Citywide Open Access Fiber Network Nearly One Year Ahead of Schedule

Cassie Holmes — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 22:23:55 +0000

Over 16,500 Addresses Passed; City-Owned Network Delivers Gigabit and Multi-Gig Internet to Every Home and Business

Nashville, TN — June 2, 2025 — At Fiber Connect 2025 today, UTOPIA Fiber and Bountiful City, Utah announced the completion of the Bountiful Fiber (Powered by UTOPIA) citywide open access network build, which was delivered nearly one year ahead of schedule. The announcement was made during a press conference at 4:00 PM CT and highlights one of the most successful and quickest municipal broadband deployments in the country.

The operational partnership between UTOPIA Fiber and Bountiful City began on May 23, 2023, with an agreement to bring fiber internet to every address in the city within 36 months. As of May 31, 2025, nearly 24 months later, the project is fully built and able to serve every home and business in Bountiful with the fastest and most reliable internet speeds in the nation. The network build includes 13,553 homes and 2,987 businesses, for a total of over 16,500 addresses passed.

“Finishing this project almost a year early is no small feat. It speaks to the commitment of the Bountiful community, the efficiency of our construction contractor, and the strength of the partnership between UTOPIA and the city,” said Roger Timmerman, Executive Director of UTOPIA Fiber. “Bountiful took a bold step to own their future. They didn’t wait around for promises; they acted. And now they’re setting the gold standard for community-owned broadband nationwide.”

Bountiful City hadn’t originally set out to build its own fiber network. However, a steady stream of complaints from residents and a series of unfulfilled promises to upgrade infrastructure by incumbent providers pushed city leaders to take action. The process included conducting a feasibility study, leading an extensive RFP process (which UTOPIA Fiber ultimately won), building in-house expertise, and engaging the community through public hearings. After two years of thorough research, Bountiful City made a confident, data-driven decision to own its own fiber network, fully aligned with the city’s long-standing tradition of owning and managing its own infrastructure.

“In Bountiful, we believe in rolling up our sleeves and getting things done,” said Mayor Kendalyn Harris. “We heard loud and clear from our community that better internet wasn’t just a want, it was a need. And now, just shy of two years after breaking ground, every resident has access to fiber. I’ve already heard from neighbors who say, ‘It’s amazing, we’re all online at once and it just works.’ That’s the kind of impact we were hoping for.”

Bountiful Fiber, powered by UTOPIA, is a city-owned, open access network that allows residents and businesses to choose from 14 private, Utah-based internet providers competing on service and price.

“No contracts, no hidden fees, no throttling,” said Nicole Cottle, Deputy Director and Director of Government Affairs at UTOPIA Fiber, and a Bountiful City resident. “This is what broadband should look like: freedom to choose, fair prices, and a network that’s future-proofed for decades to come. And Bountiful made it happen.”

Bountiful Fiber (Powered by UTOPIA) Overview:
• Fiber-to-the-home infrastructure to every address in the city
• Build includes 13,553 homes and 2,987 businesses passed
• Completed build one year ahead of schedule
• Construction take rate was already at 7%
• Construction/groundbreaking began August 10, 2023
• No contracts or installation fees
• Choice of multiple privately-owned, Utah-based ISPs on one network
• Competition between the ISPs means affordable pricing and excellent service
• Hassle-free switching between ISPs with no equipment to return
• Dedicated fiber direct to the home, not shared with neighbors
• No buffering or slowdowns ever
• 1 Gig, 2.5 Gig, and 10 Gig speed tiers

With 20% year-over-year growth and a 70,000+ subscriber base that has more than doubled since 2020, UTOPIA Fiber continues to lead in customer satisfaction. The network holds a 4.6-star Google rating with over 3,000 reviews and a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 61, far outpacing national providers.

Residents and businesses can sign up now at mybountifulfiber.com or call 801-987-9230 to get connected.

UTOPIA Fiber Monthly Update May 2025

Cassie Holmes — Fri, 30 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

May is here, and so is your monthly scoop from UTOPIA Fiber! We’ve got exciting job openings, fresh blog content, and all the latest updates you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into what’s new this month!

Annoucements
We are hiring! If you’ve ever wanted to join us in bringing fast fiber internet to communities, now is the time! We have a few new positions that are now accepting applications:/

To learn more about these positions or apply for the job check out our Careers page

Blog Posts

Bandwidth Explained: Why Speed Isn’t the Whole Story
When it comes to internet service, there are a lot of technical buzzwords that get thrown around, but “speed” and “bandwidth” are two terms that get tossed around the most and are frequently misunderstood. Often you’ll hear them used interchangeably, but here’s the truth: they’re not the same thing. Join us as we explain the difference between speed and bandwidth!

Stay Safe Online: Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Everyday Internet Users
In today’s digital world, the internet plays a role in nearly every part of our lives—from how we communicate and work remotely to how we bank, shop, and stay entertained. While this constant connectivity offers convenience and opportunity, it also exposes us to greater risks from cybercriminals looking to exploit our personal data. Keep reading to learn more about how to stay safe online!

UTOPIA Fiber in the News

Check out who’s talking about us in the news:

AAPB and ILSR Prepare For Inaugural ‘Future of Public Broadband’ Conference

The Five Nine: Gigapower, Utopia take open access networks to the U.S.

Stay Safe Online: Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Everyday Internet Users

Cassie Holmes — Wed, 28 May 2025 22:52:23 +0000

In today’s digital world, the internet plays a role in nearly every part of our lives—from how we communicate and work remotely to how we bank, shop, and stay entertained. While this constant connectivity offers convenience and opportunity, it also exposes us to greater risks from cybercriminals looking to exploit our personal data.

You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked or your car keys in the ignition—and the same mindset should apply to your digital life. The information stored on your devices—passwords, financial records, personal photos, and more—is incredibly valuable. In the wrong hands, this data can cause serious and lasting harm. That’s why protecting yourself online is just as important as securing your home or belongings in the physical world.

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe online. Here are our top suggestions for keeping you and your information safe while online:

Tip 1: Protect Your Passwords!

One of the best things that you can do to be safe online is to use strong, unique passwords for every account you have. We know it might seem easier to use the same password everywhere, we’ve all been there, but when you use the same password for every account it opens you up to a huge security list. It makes it so that If one account is compromised, all your accounts are vulnerable and you’ll need to change all your passwords instead of just one. Here are some tips when creating/using passwords online:

Create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Don’t use obvious significant names or dates – these make it easier for your password to be hacked.
Never reuse passwords across important accounts like email, banking, or social media.
Use a password manager to help store and create secure passwords. This makes it so you don’t have to worry about remembering all your new passwords as they are all stored safely and securely in your password manager! Companies like LastPass and Bitwarden are both great password manager options.

Tip 2: Setup 2-factor authentication (2FA)

One of the best ways to keep yourself safe is to use 2-factor authentication, especially for accounts or services that have sensitive information such as your address, bank/credit card, or social security information. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account that not only keeps your account safe but can help alert you to fraudulent activity. It makes it so that even if someone gets ahold of your password, they’ll still need a second code (usually sent to your phone or other trusted device) to log in and access your information. Tips for using 2-factor authentication:

Check your accounts and turn on 2FA on all accounts that offer it—especially for email, banking, and social media accounts where you store the most personal data.
Use an authentication app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) instead of text messages when possible

Tip 3: Don’t Click On Links From Unverified Sources

As technology advances so do the tools that hackers use to get your information! Phishing scams via email and text are among the most common cybersecurity threats that people face on a everyday basis. Scammers are becoming increasingly clever in how they format these emails and texts to make them look even more legitimate. That’s why it’s more important now than ever before to be cautious when opening emails/texts and clicking on the links they contain. Here are some tips to practice when opening emails/texts that you’re not familiar with:

Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious senders.
Look out for red flags like spelling errors, urgent language, or unfamiliar addresses.
When in doubt, go directly to the official website instead of clicking a link.
Make sure to always check the email or profile you are getting links from. For most emails and browsers, you can hover over any link or hyperlink with your mouse to see the target URL.
Be wary of any email or message asking for personal data.

Tip 4: Keep Your Software Up to Date

Outdated software can often have security flaws that make it easier for hackers to exploit your devices. That’s why it’s super important to keep your software up to date. This includes any software on your computer and phone, from your operating systems to your browser or apps. Most updates are there to improve the product through bug fixes, adding new features, or security updates. Keep those applications updated! Things to remember to keep your systems up to date:

Regularly update your operating system, browser, and apps.
Enable automatic updates when available.
Don’t ignore update prompts—they’re there for a reason.

Tip 5: Secure Your Social Media and Be Mindful of What You Share

With social media playing such a big role in our daily lives, it’s easy to forget just how much personal information we’re putting out into the world. Unfortunately, oversharing, even unintentionally, can open the door to cybercriminals who use that information to guess passwords, steal your identity, or impersonate you online. Keeping your social media accounts secure and being thoughtful about what you share can go a long way in protecting your digital identity. Here are some tips for staying safe on social media:

Review and update your privacy settings on every social platform you use. Make sure things like your birthday, phone number, home address, and family member details are visible only to people you trust.
Avoid publicly posting sensitive information, including vacation plans or photos that might reveal personal data.
Be mindful before posting any personal data. Once something is live on the internet, it can be hard to remove it.

Tip 6: Secure and Back Up Your Important Documents

Storing sensitive documents like tax forms, credit card details, or health records on your computer can be a risky thing to do—especially if they’re unprotected. If you plan on keeping these files on your computer it’s important to make sure they’re encrypted so that they can’t be easily accessed from your desktop. A better option for storing sensitive documents is to have them on a secure USB drive or external storage device that you can use when you need them without leaving them exposed on your desktop. It’s also important to keep backups of important documents, and other items of importance on your desktop in case you are hacked or infected with ransomware that will make you lose access to all files on your computer. Tips for keeping your documents safe:

Back up your data regularly—ideally using an external hard drive.
Automate your backups when possible.
Store important documents like tax forms, credit card information, and health records on a separate external device like a USB or external hard drive.

Tip 7: Install a Trusted Antivirus or Anti-Malware Software

Installing a reliable antivirus or anti-malware program is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your devices from cyber threats. These tools constantly scan for suspicious activity, block malicious content, and help prevent viruses, ransomware, and other harmful software from causing damage. Here are some tips for getting Antivirus and Anti-Malware software set up on your computer:

Do your research and only download from trusted, reputable vendors. Avoid free programs that seem too good to be true—they often are.
Keep your software up to date so it can defend against the latest threats.
Run regular scans to catch anything that may have slipped through the cracks. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your digital life secure.

Tip 8: Practice Mobile Safety

It might seem like common sense, but with so much of our daily activity happening on smartphones, it’s essential to stay mindful of mobile security. Desktops aren’t the only devices at risk—your phone carries just as much sensitive information, if not more. Here are some important habits to keep in mind when using your mobile devices:

Set a strong, secure passcode or use biometric authentication when available!
Just like with your computer you’ll want to keep your phone’s operating system and apps up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
Only download apps from trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Don’t share sensitive information through text messages or messaging apps.

Cybersecurity might sound intimidating, but protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated. We hope these tips will help you feel safer and more secure in using all the wonderful things that the internet has to offer! Did any of these tips surprise you? Let us know what you think on our social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Bandwidth Explained: Why Speed Isn’t the Whole Story

Cassie Holmes — Fri, 09 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

When it comes to internet service, there are a lot of technical buzzwords that get thrown around, but “speed” and “bandwidth” are two terms that get tossed around the most and are frequently misunderstood. Often you’ll hear them used interchangeably, but here’s the truth: they’re not the same thing. We believe that giving our customers all the facts and understanding the difference between “bandwidth” and “speed” can help you make better decisions about your internet service and help you get the most out of your connection. So let’s break down the difference between the two.

So What Is Bandwidth?

An easy way to visualize it is to think of bandwidth like a highway. It’s the maximum amount of data that can travel from the internet to your devices at once. The wider the highway, the higher the bandwidth, and the more cars or data that can travel side by side without a traffic jam.

For example, if you have a 1 Gbps connection, that’s your bandwidth or the width of your highway— it means you can move up to 1 gigabit of data per second. A big thing that influences your bandwidth is the number of devices you have utilizing your network. If you have your phone, laptop, and TV using your network simultaneously, they are like their own little car on the bandwidth highway, taking up portions of bandwidth. So the more bandwidth you have, the more devices you can support at the same time without slowing things down and risking a traffic jam.

What Is Speed?

Now, when it comes to speed, that is how fast the cars are able to move on that highway, kind of like the speed limit. It’s the max speed at which data can travel on the bandwidth highway to get from Point A to Point B. Your speed can be affected by a host of things, like your connection type, your device’s capabilities, your Wi-Fi router, and even the websites you’re accessing.

Your speed determines how quickly a website loads, how fast a video buffers, or how soon your file finishes downloading. For example, if you are on a 1 Gbps connection, and there is no congestion on the bandwidth highway, you will be able to download or upload a 1 GB document in approximately 8 seconds.

Speed vs Bandwidth

It’s easy to see why there would be confusion between the two terms since what they do affects the other. The more bandwidth you have, the less congestion you’ll have on your network, letting the data you’re using travel the full speed limit without interruption. And the faster your speeds, the quicker the data can get from Point A to Point B, helping prevent stagnation and network congestion.

Knowing the difference between the two can help you in deciding what kind of connection will work best for your lifestyle. If you are a single person with only a couple of devices, you might not notice much of a difference between a 250 Mbps and 1 Gbps connection outside of the general speed because you’ll have plenty of bandwidth for your devices. But if you have a family with multiple users and devices on your network constantly, you will notice a huge difference. Your 250 Mbps connection won’t have the bandwidth (highway lanes) needed to keep up with the devices using data on your network in the way that a 1 Gbps or 2.5 Gbps connection could.

How Fiber Makes a Difference

Unlike many traditional internet providers, having a fiber connection (like UTOPIA Fiber) changes the game by offering symmetrical speeds! Symmetrical speeds mean you get the same bandwidth and speeds for both uploads and downloads. To go along with the highway analogy, having symmetrical speeds means that both sides of the road have the same number of lanes and the same speed limit (250 Mbps download and 250 Mbps upload). Unlike other connections, where you may have 250 Mbps download but only 50 Mbps upload. This would be like the download side of the highway having 4 lanes of traffic, but the upload side only having 1. That’s what makes having symmetrical speed on a fiber connection such a game-changer! Especially for those who work from home, game, stream, or share large files regularly!

What does this mean for you?

Knowing the difference between Bandwidth and Speed can help you make a better, more informed decision on the connection that works best for you! If you have more devices then you’ll need a connection with more bandwidth, so it would be better to go with a 1 Gbps connection over a 250 Mbps connection or if you work from home and Zoom frequently having a fiber connection with symmetrical speeds might be the best option for you!

To sum up, everything we’ve covered, Bandwidth is how much data you can move at once, and Speed is how fast that data travels.

If you’re interested in fiber and want to see what our network can do for you, check our Services page to learn more about what we offer and get ready to experience an internet connection that is fast, reliable, and future-ready!

UTOPIA Fiber Monthly Update April 2025

Cassie Holmes — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

It’s that time again—your monthly dose of all things UTOPIA Fiber! This month, we’re bringing you exciting news about new job openings, fresh blog content, and recent team appointments. Keep reading for all the details!

Annoucements

We’re thrilled to share that Nicole Cottle, our Director of Government Affairs, has been appointed to the role of Deputy Director! Nicole has been an incredible asset to the UTOPIA Fiber team, and we’re excited to see her step into this new leadership role. To learn more about Nicole and her appointment, check out the full press release here.

We are hiring! If you’ve ever wanted to join us in bringing fast fiber internet to communities, now is the time! We have a few new positions that are now accepting applications:

Community Relations Coordinator

To learn more about these positions or apply for the job check out our Careers page

Blog Posts

5 Reasons Fiber is the Only Future-Proof Internet Option
Learn all about the 5 key reasons why fiber internet is the future-proof solution our increasingly connected world needs, especially with the rise of remote work, telehealth, AI, and smart homes.

Speed Testing 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It
Learn more about what a speed test is, what it measures, why it matters, and how you can easily run one to check your internet performance with our simple how-to guide!

UTOPIA Fiber in the News

Check out who’s talking about us in the news:

Questex’s Broadband Nation Expo Opens Call for Speakers and Announces 2025 Advisory Board

UTOPIA Fiber Marks Another Banner Year

Nicole Cottle named Deputy Director of UTOPIA Fiber

Who’s Cleared to Apply for BEAD Broadband Funding? See Our State-by-State Lists

Financing Broadband in Hard-to-Reach Communities

Salt Lake Business Journal Career Moves 4-21-25

5 Reasons Fiber is the Only Future-Proof Internet Option

Cassie Holmes — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:22:41 +0000

We think it’s safe to say that as our world becomes increasingly connected, the demand for faster, more reliable internet is only going to grow. With things like remote work, telehealth, AI, and smart homes becoming more common you need an internet connection that keeps up with you now and is ready for all that is coming in the future! That’s where fiber internet really shines. Fiber networks like ours are built to provide for our communities’ connectivity needs now and in the future. So let’s get into 5 reasons why fiber internet is a future-proof investment for communities everywhere.

Blazing-Fast Speeds (That Only Get Better)

Fiber internet delivers some of the fastest speeds available today—often up to 10 Gbps for residential or 100 Gbps for business! But the real beauty is that fiber can handle even faster speeds as demand grows. The infrastructure is already in place; it’s just a matter of upgrading equipment! You’re not just buying speeds for today’s technology —you’re also buying speed for tomorrow’s!

Symmetrical Upload & Download Speeds

Unlike cable or DSL, fiber offers equal upload and download speeds, which is a key function these days for things like video meetings, livestreaming, uploading documents, and working from home. As we continue to create and share more content online—not just consume it—symmetrical speeds become even more essential and that’s where a fiber internet connection shines.

Virtually Unlimited Bandwidth

Fiber-optic cables use light to transmit data, allowing them to move massive amounts of information at incredibly high speeds without slowing down. This allows homes on fiber networks to use more high-bandwidth demand services like Smart homes, 8K streaming, VR, and remote work with our the fear of interruption. Fiber has the capacity to handle it all—making it the ideal solution for our increasingly connected lives.

Longer Lifespan, Less Maintenance

Fiber-optic lines are more durable and resistant to interference than traditional copper cables. They’re also less susceptible to environmental wear and weather-related disruptions, resulting in fewer outages and better long-term reliability. Because of these factors fiber networks that are built today can last a lot longer and require fewer upgrades and maintenance than other network types!

Supports Innovation & Smart Technology

Access to fiber levels of speeds are the backbone for so many emerging technologies like virtual classrooms, telehealth, AI-powered devices, autonomous vehicles, and so much more. So having access to a reliable fiber network ensures that your home or business will be able to keep up with not only your current needs but your future needs as well!

When it comes to preparing for the future of internet connectivity, fiber internet is the clear choice. With unmatched speed, reliability, and potential for the growing demands of technology, it provides a long-lasting, long-term solution to ever-evolving connectivity needs. Whatever your current connectivity demands, having a fiber internet connection can ensure that your internet can keep up today, tomorrow, and years to come! If you’d like to learn more about our fiber network and what we can provide for you and your community, check out our Residential Services page.

Speed Testing 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It

Cassie Holmes — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like your internet is slower than it should be? Or wonder if you’re really getting the speeds you’re paying for? You’re not alone, and that’s where doing an internet speed test can come in handy! Let’s break down what a speed test is, what it measures, why it matters, and how you can easily run one to check your internet performance.

What is an Internet Speed Test?

An internet speed test is exactly what it sounds like, a test you run while connected to your internet connection that measures how fast your internet connection is in real-time. Once the test is complete, it will give you three main numbers to look at:

Download Speed (measured in Mbps): Your download speed tells you how fast data can be pulled from the internet to your devices. This affects things like streaming movies/shows, downloading files, scrolling on social media, and loading websites.

Upload Speed (also measured in Mbps): This shows how fast you can send data from your device to the internet. This matters most when doing things like you’re video conferencing, sending large files, or uploading videos.

Ping aka Latency (measured in milliseconds): This indicates how quickly your device gets a response after sending a request. A lower ping is better, especially for online gaming or video calls.

Knowing and understanding these numbers will help give you a better understanding of the state of your connection and what the next steps are to improving your internet experience!

Why Run a Speed Test?

There are a few benefits to running a speed test that all have to do with the information you learn when you run one. Here are a few things running a speed test can help you with:

Verify Your Plan – Make sure you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for by comparing the upload and download speeds on your test to the speeds that you signed up for with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Troubleshoot Problems – If websites are loading slowly or videos are buffering, running a speed test can help pinpoint if the issue is with the website itself or if your connection is the culprit. Knowing the information from your speed test, whether you run it directly connected to your Modem/ONT or over Wi-Fi, can really help when you call your ISP to troubleshoot a slow connection.

Optimize Your Wi-Fi – If you are running the test while connected to Wi-Fi, it can show whether your Wi-Fi signal is strong across your home or if it’s time to move your router or upgrade your equipment.

How do I Run a Speed Test?

Now that you know what a speed test is and why it is a great tool to have around, let’s get into how run a speed test! Here’s a quick how-to guide on running a speed test:

Step One: Get connected. Connect your computer to your Wi-Fi network to test your wifi speeds, or directly to your Modem/ONT via Ethernet cable to test your direct connection. (For the most accurate results, we recommend connecting directly to your modem/ONT using an Ethernet cable)

Step Two: Close any background applications. Shut down any programs or devices using the internet to help avoid any interference. This includes things like streaming services, game consoles, or extra web browsers.

Step Three: Visit a trusted speed test site. To perform a speed test, you will need to visit a website that performs them. Here are three that we recommend:

Speedtest.net

Speed.googlefiber.net/

Fast.com

Once on the speed test site of your choice, select the “Start” or “Go” options to begin the test. Then you can just sit back, relax, and let the website conduct its test. (Most tests will take less than 1 minute to complete.)

Step Four: Review your results. Once the test is complete, all that’s left to do is review your results and compare them to the speeds promised by your ISP. (If you tested on your Wi-Fi network, it’s important to note that speeds will be slightly slower than the speeds you would get if directly connected to your modem/ONT)

Bonus Tips and Tricks:

1. Try from different rooms to see how your Wi-Fi signal holds up around your home.

2. Test at different times of day to see if speeds vary.

3. Do not run a test from a smartphone, tablet, or gaming system. Desktop computers or laptops are the best option for performing a speed test.

For more tips and tricks on running a speed test, check out our Troubleshooting Page.

Whether you’re troubleshooting slow connections, checking your internet plan, or just curious about your speeds, we hope this speed test guide will help you get the answers you need about your connection. And if the results aren’t what you need, it might be time to explore a faster, more reliable option—like fiber internet. After all, your online experience is only as good as the connection behind it. You can learn more about the fiber plans that we offer here at UTOPIA Fiber on our Residential Services page!

Nicole Cottle Named Deputy Director of UTOPIA Fiber

Cassie Holmes — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Murray, Utah — April 8, 2025 — UTOPIA Fiber today announced the appointment of Nicole Cottle as Deputy Director. Since joining UTOPIA Fiber in 2023 as Director of Government Relations and General Counsel, Cottle has emerged as a go-to leader within the company who draws on more than two decades of experience in municipal law, public policy, and community development. Her leadership has helped UTOPIA Fiber advance open access fiber builds in seven Utah cities, shape key legislative initiatives, and strengthen economic development efforts across Utah.

“Nicole brings an incredible depth of experience and a proven ability to navigate complex policy and infrastructure challenges,” said Roger Timmerman, Executive Director of UTOPIA Fiber. “She has earned the trust of leaders across Utah through her collaborative approach and track record of results. We’re fortunate to have her in this expanded leadership position as we continue our work to deliver future-proof fiber infrastructure that promotes free-market competition.”

Cottle, a longtime Bountiful City resident, brings nearly 26 years of public-sector executive experience, having served in capacities such as Assistant City Manager, General Counsel, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Chief Sustainability Officer. She has played a central role in shaping policy and securing funding at every level of government, participating in more than $4 billion in creative financing strategies and securing hundreds of millions of dollars in grants, earmarks, and public-private partnerships to drive economic development and support local businesses.

“I’m honored to step into this role,” said Cottle. “Fiber broadband is the great equalizer. It creates a level playing field by opening doors to education, jobs, and healthcare, and it’s essential that every Utahn has access to it, no matter where they live. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s working every day to improve lives across the state.”

In recognition of her leadership and impact on broadband policy, Cottle received the Fiber Broadband Association’s “2024 Advocacy Allstar” award given to individuals who have significantly advanced the fiber broadband industry’s work at both state and federal levels. Cottle’s extensive experience in public-private partnerships and municipal government has been instrumental in promoting high-speed fiber infrastructure deployment while safeguarding community interests. Her leadership has been pivotal in influencing numerous legislative actions and policies that support the expansion of fiber broadband services.

UTOPIA Fiber Monthly Update March 2025

Cassie Holmes — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:40:37 +0000

Spring is in the air, and so is the latest news from UTOPIA Fiber! As we march forward into a new season, we’re bringing you exciting updates, including job opportunities, media highlights, and all the latest happenings with Team UTOPIA. Stay connected and keep reading to spring into the latest news!

Annoucements

We are hiring! If you’ve ever wanted to join us in bringing fast fiber internet to communities now is the time! We have a few new positions that are now accepting applications:

To learn more about these positions or apply for the job check out our Careers page

Blog Posts

UTOPIA Fiber Installation Explained: The Process, Timeline, and Tips
So you just got the incredible news that your address is available to sign up for fiber-fast internet with UTOPIA Fiber network, but what happens next? Well, we are glad you asked! Let’s take a walk through what getting installed with a UTOPIA Fiber internet connection looks like from start to finish.

Choosing the Perfect Router: Our Top Picks for Fast, Reliable Internet
Is your installation date approaching, but you still need to choose a router? No worries—we’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up 12 router recommendations to help you find the perfect router for your speeds and budget. All of these routers are excellent choices, but to make things easier we’ve ranked them based on the speeds they can support. Let’s dive in!

UTOPIA Fiber’s 2024 Year In Review Release
UTOPIA Fiber today announced its 2024 figures, reporting sustained subscriber growth, rapid network deployment, and industry-leading customer satisfaction. As the nation’s largest and most successful Open Access fiber network, UTOPIA Fiber expanded its reach in 2024, deploying 1.9 million feet of fiber-optic cable, 1.3 million feet of underground conduit, 68,190 feet of aerial strand, and 8,660 handholes, providing access to fast, reliable internet for even more Utahns.

UTOPIA Fiber in the News

Check out who’s talking about us in the news:

UTOPIA Fiber reports sustained 2024 subscriber growth while continuing to lead the industry in customer satisfaction

2024 report shows UTOPIA Fiber subscriber total climbed to more than 70,000