From the IRRR Ranger newsletter…
Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) expanded its broadband fiber optic network to approximately 400 unserved or underserved locations in Clinton Township and adjacent areas, including homes, businesses and farms. All locations have a minimum service offering available of 250 mbps download and upload, with services of 10 Gbps download and upload available. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $1,150,000 Broadband Infrastructure grant to CTC. Total project investment was $5,400,000.
Joe Buttweiler is CTC’s chief strategy officer. He explained that access to broadband is as imperative today as electricity was 75 years ago. A reliable fiber optic network is the backbone necessary to provide rural residents, small businesses, teleworkers and farmers with access to the benefits of unlimited bandwidth, cost efficiency and reliability. Prior to this project, many residents in the Clinton Township area did not have access to quality or affordable internet service for everyday needs.
The project also received a $2,624,187 Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development and a $400,000 grant from St. Louis County.
“In today’s world, reliable internet connectivity has become almost as important as other forms of infrastructure,” said St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Nelson. “It represents access for businesses, students and everyone else seeking information or services online. So I’m pleased St. Louis County could dedicate ARPA funds in support of this project serving our residents in Clinton Township.”
Email Whitney Ridlon or call her at 218-735-3004 for Broadband Infrastructure grant information.
Note: CTC is a member-owned cooperative established in 1952 and based in Brainerd, with additional offices in Baxter and Crosby. It has 16,000 residential and business members and 75 employees that serve as local support teams across northern Minnesota. It originated as a telephone service provider and has since added television and internet services for homes, businesses, cabins and apartment buildings throughout Minnesota. Learn more about CTC.