From Then to Now: BTES’ 20 Years of Offering Internet Service

By Michael Parker, Supervisor of Networks

I still remember the day we “flipped the switch,” so to say.

It was 2005, and I was standing in the Headend, watching as the very first BTES Internet account went live. Back then, we were known for our electric service – not yet as known as a high-speed Internet provider. But that day marked the beginning of something new. We had a dedicated team, and we were excited (and a little nervous) to bring Internet service to our customers for the very first time.

The Internet in 2005 was a different world. Speeds averaged just 1 to 3 Mbps. Streaming a video often meant waiting for it to buffer – if streaming was even an option. Social media was in its infancy, most websites were basic and text-heavy, and online gaming was something only the most patient folks attempted on slower connections.

Fast forward to 2025, and it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come – not just as an industry, but here at BTES. Today, we deliver lightning-fast fiber Internet and offer some of the fastest speeds in the country! Our customers can stream 4K videos, easily work from home, attend virtual classes, control smart homes, and game online – all with ease and reliability. The fiber-optic network we began building years ago has become the foundation of our community’s digital future.

I’m proud to say that our early investment in fiber was the right move. We’ve stayed ahead of the curve by focusing on speed, reliability, and future-ready infrastructure. That decision means our network is ready for whatever comes next – from emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality to the growing number of connected devices in our homes and businesses.

As we celebrate 20 years in providing Internet service, I’m incredibly grateful for the customers, coworkers, and community that have been part of this journey. We’ve come a long way since that first connection in 2005!

Here’s to the next 20 years.