Fiber internet company TDS Metrocom announced Tuesday that it hired the first employees for the 200 jobs it expects to bring to Kootenai County by end of 2022.

The fiber-optic company based in Madison, Wis., said in May that it was expanding to Kootenai County in a phased introduction that will begin in mid-September. The project included the arrival of a pre-built technology facility installed on Sunup Avenue on July 12. The company is also finalizing a retail storefront in Coeur d’Alene, which will serve as a landing spot for future TDS customers looking to change service packages and pay bills.

So far, 11 of the 30 jobs initially posted have been filled. The remaining jobs are tailored to people with sales, marketing and technical abilities. TDS National Communication Manager DeAnne Boegli, who will stay in Coeur d’Alene until today, said the company expected to have a Post Falls facility up and running soon.

“We’re thrilled to be planting our roots here,” Boegli said. “This is a beautiful area, and we’re thrilled to be part of its future.”

“We are thrilled to be staffing up and bringing members of the community on board,” Kathy Cefalu, vice president of human resources, said in a statement. “In addition, a few of our existing employees jumped at the chance to relocate to the area.”

Other companies in the area offering similar fiber services have upped their game in response to the new local fiber player. Intermax, for example, is wiring an in-development subdivsion in Rathdrum for fiber-ready homes. The fiber provider said in June it was also expanding through an acquisition of Sandpoint’s TNT Communications.

TDS also announced pricing for area customers. The company will offer gigabit-speed services for $70 per month, up to 600 megabits per second for $50 per month and up to 300 megabits per second for $35 per month. The fiber company also offers television services ranging between $26.95 and $84.95, depending on the channel packages. TDS also provides phone services that start at $19.99 per month.

Fiber typically finds its advantages in latency speed. Because fiber is constructed as a spindle of special glass, it transmits near the speed of light. Latency is often measured in fractions of seconds, providing almost unnoticable wait times for larger files.

TDS began construction in June of what it anticipates is more than 700 miles of fiber-optic cable through the region as it looks to connect to as many as 42,000 regional homes. Boegli said she anticipates the Wisconsin company has already began to invest as much as $117 million to the area over time.

“We are looking forward to introducing ourselves to the area and growing with the community,” TDS president and CEO Jim Butman said. “When the fiber network is complete, TDS will deliver up to one gigabit internet speeds, which will provide exceptional bandwidth for business and for residents looking for the absolute best gaming, streaming and telecommuting experiences.”