Nebraska’s Vistabeam Connects First BEAD-Funded Broadband Household in the Nation to High-Speed Internet

Headquartered in Gering, Nebraska, Vistabeam, named 2025 Operator of the Year by the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, serves residents and businesses through a combination of fiber and fixed wireless infrastructure. That wireless capability made it possible to complete this connection in a matter of days, not years.

“BEAD is officially here, and we’re making history today,” said Matt Larsen, CEO of Vistabeam. “BEAD was created to connect unserved and underserved people, and today Vistabeam is proud to deliver high-quality, high-speed internet to a previously-underserved family, creating a world of possibilities for our Nebraska neighbors, showing that with the right tools and a capable team, connection can happen in a matter of days.”

The household near Ogallala now receives speeds exceeding 800 megabits per second download and 200 megabits per second upload — well above the BEAD program’s 100 Mbps/20 Mbps minimum requirement. The project was funded through the Nebraska Broadband Office, which administers the state’s BEAD allocation in coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

“This is a tremendous victory for Nebraska,” said Gov. Jim Pillen. “Reliable broadband is essential for daily life, from schoolwork and healthcare to running a business or managing a farm. With this connection, Nebraskans have proof that the Trump Administration’s “Benefit of the Bargain” reform ‘turbocharges speed and savings.’ The Broadband Office is dedicated to delivering a practical and responsible network under BEAD that serve Nebraska’s needs today and for many years to come.”

“This is a major step forward for connectivity in Nebraska, and this is just the start,” said Patrick Redmond, Deputy Director of the Nebraska Broadband Office. “We appreciate all our partners that helped make this happen, and the support from Governor Pillen to make Nebraska a leader in this space. This milestone highlights our mission to expand broadband access statewide, and we look forward to continuing our momentum toward that goal.”

The deployment was also made possible through collaboration with broadband equipment distributor, WAV, and Tarana Wireless, whose next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology was used to swiftly connect this first BEAD location with reliable internet.

“We are very proud to be a part of this momentous start to BEAD deployment and commend Vistabeam for their great work in Nebraska. This first connection shows that when we combine dedicated public and private sector partners with cutting-edge technology, we can efficiently and cost-effectively equip American families with the affordable, high-speed broadband they deserve,” said Carl Guardino, Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Tarana.

“Given Vistabeam’s vision of delivering a high-speed, quality internet experience using any technological means necessary, it’s no surprise they’ve been awarded BEAD funding in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. WAV is proud of Vistabeam’s dedication to connecting their communities, and we look forward to continuing to support them with the technology they need to bridge the digital divide,” said Zach Hubeck, Executive Vice President of Marketing, WAV.

The Ogallala connection builds on additional BEAD progress for Vistabeam, which was awarded funding for three tower upgrades totaling $423,375 to serve 93 locations across Nebraska. It also offers a replicable model for how broadband expansion can move quickly while larger infrastructure builds continue across the country. “People in rural areas have waited a long time for this. We’re energized by the outcome and feel lucky to be a part of the solution”, added Larsen.

New Ogallala customer Deb Armknecht is thrilled with her and her husband Kevin’s improved service, saying, “My grandkids love the faster internet to use with their computers, and I can get on the computer to do our books for the farm.

Governor Pillen and Vistabeam will host a media event with NTIA, Tarana and WAV, on May 14, 2026 near Ogallala, to commemorate the first BEAD household in Nebraska—and in the United States—going live.

Vistabeam has also been awarded BEAD funding for fiber builds in Wyoming and Colorado, extending its commitment to connecting rural communities across the western United States.

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About Vistabeam

Founded in 2004, Vistabeam is an innovative broadband provider serving communities across western Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and southeastern Wyoming. Using a hybrid fiber and fixed wireless network, Vistabeam delivers reliable, high-speed internet to rural and underserved areas, empowering residents, businesses, and institutions to connect, learn, and grow. Vistabeam was named 2025 Operator of the Year by the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association.

About Tarana Wireless

Tarana’s mission is to accelerate the deployment of fast, affordable, and reliable internet access around the world. Through a decade of R&D and over $400M of investment, the Tarana team has created and continues to enhance a unique suite of next generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technologies. Its G1 and G2 platforms deliver game-changing advances in broadband economics in mainstream and underserved markets, using both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. Tarana’s ngFWA technology has been embraced by more than 300 service providers in 24 countries. Tarana is headquartered in Milpitas, California, with additional research and development in Pune, India. Learn more at www.taranawireless.com.

About WAV
WAV is a full-service distributor of fiber and fixed wireless broadband, Wi-Fi, IoT, physical security and LTE solutions. With inventory in seven strategic locations across North America, WAV supports its partners with one of the largest and most consistent stocking positions, expert product knowledge, multi-vendor solution support, and value-added services. Learn more at wavonline.com or call 800-678-2419.

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