I am gathering local Minnesota broadband stories for the upcoming eNews, Lynne Dahl-Fleming was kind enough to send me the following update from Monticello.

Monticello, MN is moving forward with a city-wide fiber optic network. The fiber network will be financed with revenue bonds, not a tax levy. The cost for the entire project is estimated between $20 to $25 million and completion of the fiber network will take approximately 18 months.

A referendum passed by 74% in September showing that the residents of Monticello were in favor of having telephone, Internet and cable TV services offered by the City over the fiber optic network. The name of the business entity will be FiberNet Monticello.

In mid-November, the city council authorized a contract with Michels Communications for the installation of the co-locate fiber system and conduit, which includes a connection to the co-locate equipment at city hall. City officials and interested residents showed up for a groundbreaking ceremony on November 27 to kick of the project. Currently, the City is securing revenue bonds and is in the process of selecting an engineering firm for the design/build portion of the project.

“It’s a great opportunity for current and future Monticello business and industries to utilize this fiber technology. It will also create some very good jobs in our city,” Mayor Herbst said.

The first customers of the fiber optic network could receive service by spring and early summer of 2009.

For more information visit the website: www.MonticelloFiber.com