Fillmore County Journal reports…

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced Harmony Telephone Company as a recipient of two Border-to-Border Grants totaling $3.9 million.

Harmony Telephone Company will use the $2.9 million grant and $4.5 million local match to serve 311 households, businesses, and farms north of Fountain in Fillmore County. The $1 million grant and $1.6 local match will be used to serve 68 households, businesses, and farms in rural portions of Fillmore County, north of Preston. Projects will improve unserved levels to 1 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload on their fiber network, exceeding the 2026 state speed goal. Building a fiber-to-the-premises network will improve access to education and healthcare services. It will also increase employment as businesses leverage this new network and telecommuting opportunities become available.

More info on Harmony Telephone…

Harmony Telephone Company is a privately-held company in Harmony, Minn. It was purchased in 2006 by Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company and Spring Grove Communications. In 2018, MiEnergy Cooperative bought into the company to become an additional owner. It provides broadband, telephone and video service to Harmony and the surrounding rural area. Ownership by cooperatives means providing quality service remains a top priority.