Paul Bunyan Communications expanding fiber to more than 2,400 Homes and Businesses in Central Aitkin County

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications will be expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 2,400 more locations in Aitkin County this year.
This expansion in central Aitkin County includes the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack along with areas of Clark, Haugen, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.
Once the new all-fiber optic network is operational, homes and businesses can get fast, dependable GigaZone™ Internet and WiFi built to keep every device connected. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance will also be available. Business customers will gain access to Managed IT Business Services like VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management. In addition, Paul Bunyan Communications is an authorized DIRECTV dealer and certified Apple Service Center. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative. membership begins when you subscribe to GigaZone™ Internet or local phone service.
Construction will take place over the summer with services expected to be available by winter. To get connected, residents and businesses need to sign up for service before construction leaves the area. Sign up online, over the phone, or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center. To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and sign up for services, visit https://paulbunyan.net/
“We’re excited to share our plans to expand into additional areas of Aitkin County, bringing gigabit broadband to more residents and businesses,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Our cooperative remains committed to delivering this essential service to communities across northern Minnesota.”
“This project represents a major service upgrade for these areas,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Without true high-speed internet, everyday tasks, whether for work, school, or business, can be extremely challenging. Our all-fiber optic network delivers fast, reliable connectivity with speeds up to 10 Gig, and it will be a game changer for these communities.”

Paul Bunyan Communications expanding fiber to more than 600 more locations in 2026 in St Louis County

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications will be expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 600 more locations in Itasca and St. Louis County this year across five townships.
This project includes areas south and west of the city of Cook including parts of the following townships: Alango, Carpenter, Field, Sturgeon, and an unorganized township east of Carpenter.
Once the new all-fiber optic network is operational, homes and businesses can get fast, dependable GigaZone™ Internet and WiFi built to keep every device connected. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance will also be available. Business customers will gain access to Managed IT Business Services like VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management. In addition, Paul Bunyan Communications is an authorized DIRECTV dealer and certified Apple Service Center. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative. membership begins when you subscribe to GigaZone™ Internet or local phone service.
Construction will take place over the summer with services expected to be available by winter. To get connected, residents and businesses need to sign up for service before construction leaves the area. Sign up online, over the phone, or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center. To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and sign up for services, visit https://paulbunyan.net/
“Expanding our all-fiber optic network into more rural areas around our current service territory reflects our long-standing commitment to the region,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Access to reliable, high-quality internet is essential for economic growth, education, and quality of life. As a cooperative, we continue to invest in our region to bring more homes and businesses have the connectivity they need to succeed.”
“Our 2026 expansion marks another important step in extending the reach of our all-fiber optic network,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “By delivering fast, reliable connectivity with the capacity to scale for future needs, we’re making sure residents and businesses have the tools they need to thrive, today and for years to come.”
This project is made possible through the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment & Economic Development, Low-Density Population Broadband Infrastructure Development Grant Program. This project is estimated to cost $7,810,355, with the State of Minnesota’s Low-Population Density Program grant contributing $3,924,157, Paul Bunyan Communications investing $2,203,928, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) investing $1,000,000, St. Louis County investing $583,250, Alango Township $41,200, Field Township $17,800, and Sturgeon Township $40,000.

New MN Bill: Open Meeting Law; meeting broadcasting through social media authorized HF3295

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Ann Treacy

Bill to be discussed today (March 23) in the House Elections Finance and Government Operations…

HF3295 (Gordon) – Open Meeting Law; meeting broadcasting through social media authorized.

HF3895 Support Letter Packet.pdf – 3/20/2026

HF3895CityAssociationsLetter .pdf – 3/20/2026

LMC Comments – HF 3895 – the Minnesota

Bluepeak expands fiber to East Grand Forks

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From KROX radio...

Bluepeak, a leading provider of high-speed fiber internet across Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas, and Wyoming, is proud to announce its expansion into East Grand Forks, Minnesota. This investment brings next-generation Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) internet to homes and businesses, strengthening the city’s digital infrastructure and supporting its growth in an increasingly connected world.

Daily Yonder catches the podcast wave – talking about Data Centers

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Ann Treacy

Something new to listen to on a long drive – Yonder Radio. Here’s a description from their newsletter…

This week’s hour opens with a look at what happens when major corporations like Meta and Amazon bring data centers to rural communities. Also in this episode: hear how rural films performed at this year’s Academy Awards, take a road trip through some of the wonders of roadside America, and step back in time to explore ancient folk pottery traditions still alive in North Carolina.
Plus, enjoy a mix of rock and blues, along with an interview featuring an artist from Blue Mountain Tribe, three-time winners of the Native American Music Awards.

The data center discussion happens in the first 10 minutes. The rest of the podcast is fun too – from scenic byways to the Oscars through a rural lens.

EVENT Mar 27: AI Literacy Day webinar spotlighting AI & workforce digital skills

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From the National AI Literacy Day…

Nationwide Day of Action: Professional Development Webinars

➤ 10 AM EST: Flight Path 2030: A Principal’s Blueprint for Building AI-Ready High Schools

➤ 11:30 AM EST: Student Voices on AI: National AI Literacy Day Town Hall

➤ 1 PM EST: Engaging Parents and Families in AI Tools

➤ 2 PM EST: AI Literacy in Action: The Path to the AI-Ready Graduate

➤ 3 PM EST: SAFE and Connected: Negotiating for an Ethical, Interoperable, and Human-Centric AI Future

➤ 4 PM EST: What AI Changes (and What It Doesn’t) A Framework for Educators

Access each webinar registration link here: https://tinyurl.com/NAILDPD2026

More Events

EVENT March 26: Developer hosts meeting on proposed data center in Inver Grove Heights (Dakota County)

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Ann Treacy

Limitless Media reports…

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS: Residents will have an opportunity later this month to learn more about a proposed data center project planned for a site along Carmen Avenue in Inver Grove Heights.

According to city information, the project developer will host a neighborhood meeting regarding a proposed data center at 5842 Carmen Ave. E., the former site of Travel Tags, Inc.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, located at 8055 Barbara Ave.

City officials say the proposed data center building would be approximately one-third the size of the former Travel Tags facility that previously occupied the property.

The neighborhood meeting will be informal and hosted by the developer, allowing nearby residents to hear a presentation about the project and ask questions. Officials note that residents can provide comments during the meeting, but it is not a formal public hearing.

EVENT April 29: Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit Registration Open now

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From the MN Office of Broadband Development…

Register Now for the Broadband Summit!

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development invites you to attend the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local partners, along with broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Together, we’ll explore how connecting people to resources, information, and each other supports Minnesota’s economic strength and expands digital opportunity statewide.

The summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration, coffee, and a light breakfast, and will conclude at 4:00 p.m. The day will feature:

An opening welcome from DEED and State leadership

A networking lunch

Breakout sessions covering key topics such as BEAD implementation, mapping, digital skills and security, and permitting

High-level Agenda (Central Time):

8:30 a.m.: Arrival and registration with coffee and light breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Main stage general sessions with opening welcome from DEED and State leadership

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: Networking lunch and Governor’s Broadband Task Force monthly meeting

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Breakout sessions on key topics and initiatives

A small $20 registration fee helps offset catering and conference costs. Event details, including the full agenda, breakout session topics, speaker biographies, and exhibitor information, will be updated on a rolling basis on our website

With high demand expected, we recommend registering early to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you on April 29, 2026

Register Here

Event center details

Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).

Free parking will be available at the venue.

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Stearns County Administrator Mike Williams retires after tenure of broadband expansion

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Ann Treacy

KNSI Radio reports on the retirement of Stearns County Administrator Mike Williams…

After a decade leading Stearns County through some of its most consequential years, County Administrator Mike Williams has announced he’s retiring.

A nice nod to his broadband work…

His tenure will be remembered in large part for a sweeping broadband expansion effort that has transformed rural connectivity across the county. By leveraging American Rescue Plan funds, state Border-to-Border grants, and township contributions, the county secured more than $60 million for the project. Nearly every home and business in Stearns County now has, or will soon have, access to high-speed internet.
Williams also helped guide the county through the Justice Center project, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts to strengthen intergovernmental partnerships and improve countywide planning.

In 2021, he received the Joe Ries Excellence in County Management Award, the highest annual honor given by the Minnesota Association of County Administrators.

New MN Bill introduced: Require payment of certain local government utility costs related to trunk highway construction SF4051

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Ann Treacy

I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:

Description

Require payment of certain local government utility costs related to trunk highway construction out of the trunk highway fund
March 2:
Referred to Transportation

Does not currently include fiber but sounds like a Dig Once opportunity.

New MN Bill introduced: Municipalities prohibition from entering into nondisclosure agreements SF4379

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From the MN House:

Committee on State and Local Government
Chair: Sen. Tou Xiong
11 a.m.
Hybrid hearing: Room 1100 Minnesota Senate Bldg. and Remote
*Agenda items may be added or removed. Please submit documents to Committee Administrator, mikayla.mtanous@mnsenate.gov by Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2:00pm. Late submissions may not be posted in advance of the hearing or included in prepared materials for committee members. TESTIMONY: Testimony is limited. The number of testifiers and length of time permitted is at the discretion of the chair and is subject to change. Please plan accordingly. If you would like to testify, please email the Committee Administrator, mikayla.mtanous@mnsenate.gov by Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2:30pm. Requests for Zoom testimony must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Include the bill number, your name, title and/or organization where applicable, and whether your testimony will be in support of or opposition to the bill. WRITTEN TESTIMONY AND HANDOUTS: Written testimony is encouraged. To submit written testimony or hand-outs, email Committee Administrator, mikayla.mtanous@mnsenate.gov by Wednesday, March 18 at 2:30pm. Please email the submission in following pdf format: yearmonthday_bill number_organization_testimony-or-handout Example: 20250329_SF2373_MinnesotaOrganizationName_Testimony
Agenda:
Call to Order

20260319_agenda.pdf (PDF)

S.F. 4379-Maye Quade/Maye Quade: Municipalities prohibition from entering into nondisclosure agreements.

20260319_SF4379_ChamberCoalition_Testimony.pdf (PDF)

20260319_SF4379_CURE_Testimony.pdf (PDF)

20260319_SF4379_MRES_Testimony.pdf (PDF)

20260319_SF4379-AubreeDerksen.pdf (PDF)

20260319_SF4379-JennaVanDenBoom.pdf (PDF)

20260319_SF4379-NicoleMills.pdf (PDF)

scs4379a-1.pdf (PDF)

scs4379a-2.pdf (PDF)

SF4379-Bill-Summary.pdf (PDF)

New MN Bill introduced: providing requirements for artificial intelligence chatbot technology HF4452

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From the MN House:

Finke, Koegel, Sencer-Mura, Curran, Moller, Acomb, Jordan and Youakim introduced:

H. F. 4452, A bill for an act relating to civil law; providing requirements for artificial intelligence chatbot technology; creating a cause of action for harm caused by artificial intelligence chatbot use; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 604.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce Finance and Policy.

New MN Bill introduced: require age monitoring and verification for social media platforms HF4138

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From the MN House:

Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) believes social media platforms “are designed to be addictive.”

And minors, she notes, are especially vulnerable to the dangers posed by social media, and as such, need extra protection.

HF4138 would require age monitoring and verification for social media platforms, parental approval, and specific treatment of accounts for children under age 15 related to addictive features, paid advertising, and the creation and termination of accounts.

“This bill does not ban users from having social media, instead it requires a parent or guardian to approve of social media contractual agreements,” Scott said of the bill she sponsors.

Via voice vote, the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the bill, as amended, Tuesday and sent it to the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

New MN Bill introduced: requiring public hearings and certain disclosures prior to approval of data center development HF4296

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Ann Treacy

From the MN Senate:

Senator Xiong from the Committee on State and Local Government, to which was referred

S.F. No. 4296: A bill for an act relating to local government; requiring public hearings and certain disclosures prior to approval of data center development; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462.

Reports the same back with the recommendation that the bill be amended and when so amended the bill do pass.

MN House Committee hears from local expert on Workforce and AI (artificial intelligence)

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Ann Treacy

Today, the MN House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy saw a presentation on AI (artificial intelligence) and Minnesota workforce from the University of Minnesota and about workforce concerns about AI from Northstar Policy Action.

The questions from legislators were interesting and reflected issues that have come up in other committee meetings. So if you have an interest in AI, this is a fairly quick way to learn about what’s happing in Minnesota or at least what’s happening enough to be discussed in policy circles.