If you got it, flaunt it. And that’s what Lac qui Parle County is doing with their fiber network through a partnershiph with Southwest MN Careers…

MuniNetworks provides a quick history of LqP’s efforts to get better broadband – thanks to ARRA funding…

Back in 2009, the county began working with Farmers Mutual Telephone Cooperative to find a way to improve Internet access. Through their collaboration, the two entities received a 2010 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to deploy Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity and replace antiquated dial-up. At the time, about 52 percent of premises were still using their telephones to connect to the Internet.

Lac qui Parle had approached incumbent providers, but none were interested in upgrading in the sparsely populated region. Farmers Mutual Telephone Cooperative had deployed in other communities in western Minnesota and had the experience required in such a rural area. The project’s $9.6 million ARRA combined grant and loan allowed the project to be completed by the summer of 2014.

While LqP is well served most places, Madison, the county seat, does not have Fiber to the Home. Because they were considered “served” in 2009, they were not part of the original grant. They are actively seeking options for better broadband.