Local internet, built by local people since 1985.
Our philosophy: Cut out the noise and shop local. The frontier days are over. There’s no need to look to the stars when our strength is in community.
Family business since
Towers across the region
Of rural wireless internet
Backbone behind every link
Our story
- 1985
It started with DerbyTech
One man, a few computer parts and a trailer to work out of. DerbyTech grew into one of the largest computer manufacturers in the Quad Cities, then added a repair center and network services.
- 1995
Dial-up and email
We started selling dial-up internet and providing email service.
- 1999
Going wireless
A few test towers around the Quad Cities took off faster than we ever imagined. Demand was so strong that DerbyNet was formed and became the heart of our business.
- 2002
MonmouthNet
We purchased an ISP based in Monmouth and partnered with Midwest Bank of Western Illinois to upgrade the network.
- 2005
EduNet with Carl Sandburg College
We built a wireless network covering 3,000 square miles, serving the college, K–12 schools and residents across the district.
- 2009
Elmwood
We purchased an ISP based in Elmwood, upgraded the network and brought those customers onto ours.
- 2016
A fiber backbone
We added fiber behind our wireless network, so we can deliver faster speeds without splitting bandwidth across wireless links.
- Today
90+ towers and growing
Through our own growth and a few acquisitions, we now run more than 90 towers — and we keep expanding when the opportunity arises.
How our network is built
Fiber-backed
Since 2016, fiber feeds our wireless network, giving us room to keep up with growing demand for bandwidth at home.
Redundant links
Our backbone runs on Ubiquiti airFiber radios with built-in redundancy, so the network keeps running smoothly no matter what.
Locally maintained
Rain, snow, wind, day or night — when something needs attention, our own techs are the ones who head out.
A network built for you
Big providers build for cities. We built our network for the farms, small towns and country homes they skip — with towers close by, fiber behind them, and a small receiver on your house to bring it all home.
- Made for rural homes & farms
- No phone line or cable needed
- Unlimited data, no caps
- Installed by our own local techs
Why haven’t I heard of you before?
Truth be told, our network has grown mostly through word of mouth and quality service. While others rely on marketing gimmicks, our philosophy has always been simple: build a strong network, build great relationships with our customers, and they will come. That’s how we’ve operated for 20+ years — and our network has never been better.
Build it and they will come.