When Gateway Fiber launched as a brand-new ISP in Missouri, they were faced with the enormous challenge of building a high-speed fiber network from scratch. As a startup, time, efficiency, and quality were critical. They needed a partner who could handle the full scope of engineering, construction, and ongoing support, while moving fast enough to capture market share.

That’s where Sellenriek Construction came in.

CHALLENGES

Gateway Fiber was starting from zero. As a new broadband provider, the company’s primary challenge was deploying fiber infrastructure quickly and cost-effectively while minimizing the number of homes and businesses their network could reach, also known as customer passings. Every step from planning, permitting, and physical construction, needed to be fast, accurate, and scalable.

Additionally, weather conditions in the early phases of construction added pressure to stay on schedule. Cold temperatures and snow made access and operations more difficult, but deadlines didn’t move.

PROCESS

Sellenriek Construction started this project at the beginning, leading as a turnkey provider. Services included: 

• Full-scope engineering and design
• Fiber network construction, including directional boring and cable plowing
• Locating, splicing, and mapping
• Ongoing maintenance support
• In-hour final inspection before turnover to Gateway

The team began by identifying underserved towns that most needed broadband access. From there, Sellenriek conducted on-the-ground walkouts and engineered network layouts for maximum coverage and efficiency.

Daily jobsite safety protocols, including JSAs, toolbox talks, and pre-construction meetings, ensured overall safe, consistent field operations despite weather-related delays.

RESULTS

Thanks to proactive planning and streamlined execution, Sellenriek beat Gateway’s deployment timeline and delivered minimal issues throughout the build. Final in-house inspections by a 30-year old veteran on Sellenriek’s team ensured quality standards were met before Gateway Fiber conducted their final checks, resulting in smooth handoff. 

WHY IT WORKED

For Gateway, success came down to speed, quality, and reliability. And Sellenriek delivered on all three. With decades of experience, a collaborative approach, and deep technical capabilities, Sellenriek helped Gateway Fiber grow from startup to service provider with a rock-solid foundation.

“Productivity, quality, and on-time delivery– that’s what make this project stand out.”– Joe Oden, Director of Operations at Sellenriek Construction

CONCLUSION

Gateway Fiber’s early success is a direct reflection of smart partnerships and experienced execution. For emerging ISPs and broadband providers, Sellenriek Construction offers more than just boots on the ground, we offer expert leadership from start to finish.